Head Lice In Children
Head lice plagues have become more common in recent years. Head lice infestations are a common complication in infants and children. The most common symptom of children infected with head lice is itching, however some children do not complain if they have a light infestation. These bites can then become infected, and may loom red or crusty, and may lead to your child developing swollen lymph glands in his neck.
Having head lice (pediculus humanus capitas) is a common issue in school age children. The lice travel fast between children and they favour clean, oil free hair. The female louse has ability of laying over 100 eggs every 10 – 12 days. The eggs (called nits) are entombed at the base of the hair. The lice and their eggs are viewable to the naked eye.
They generally cause terrible itching and hence are frequently detected by an adult when head scratching is observed. Lice are wingless and are not able to jump, but they climb quickly from hair to hair when the hair is dry. Lice move slowly on wet hair and can be effaced more easily with a gloved hand or a fine-toothed comb.
Many of the activities that children indulge in at school require them to interact closely. Their heads are usually together. This makes it simple for the lice to move from one head to the following. Retaining greater distance between heads or the placement of a barrier between heads are the perfect ways to prevent the spread. The main treatments for head lice generally involve using a head lice shampoo, like Rid or Nix.
For lice in eyelashes, apply Vaseline to the eyelashes twice a day for a week to eradicate them. Herbal rinses are very helpful in purging the lice and eggs. Thyme oil, sassafras, aniseed and lavender all perform well. After a treatment, put some olive or coconut oil to the scalp to forfend dryness and to loosen the eggs. Daily use a comb or brush and hair clips to remove tangles and detach your child’s hair into sections.
Vacuum to remove all lice and hairs with attached nits from furniture, rugs, stuffed animals and car seats. Keep items which can not be washed or vacuumed into plastic bags for three weeks. You can also add tee tree oil or lavender oil to your routine shampoo. For every 100 ml (3 3/4 ounces) of shampoo add 25 drops of tee tree oil or 25 drops of lavender oil.
Filed under: Baby Care