Discover how to transmit lice, how to detect them and, above all, what to do to get rid of.
The school year as the holiday season camps are opportunities conducive to the emergence of lice outbreaks, especially among children.
What to know about head lice?
Head lice are tiny gray-brown wingless insects that live on the human scalp and are the size of a sesame seed. Lice can live for about 30 days and feed by sucking blood from the scalp of the person, causing itching. The female lays eggs (nits) to the size of a grain of sand, oval and beige or brown. Nits are firmly glued to the base of the hair close to the scalp, especially behind the ears and on the neck. As the hair grows, the slow move away from the scalp. Once hatched, their shells become translucent. It is especially by the presence of slow that detects a lice infestation which, themselves, are difficult to see. Nits that are more than 1 cm of the scalp are probably hatched or dead. Unlike dandruff, nits are difficult to remove with the dryer or hairbrush Get mobile head lice removal service.
How is it spread?
Head lice are transmitted by direct contact (face to face) with an infected person or by indirect contact via combs, brushes, hats, scarves or contaminated bedding. This method of transmission is rare, because lice can not survive more than 2 or 3 days outside its host. Transmission occurs primarily at home, at school, in child care and in public places. The infestation is not related to a problem of cleanliness and personal hygiene. Lice can not live on animals, which therefore can not transmit infection. Also, contrary to popular belief, lice do not jump from one head to another.
How to know if you caught lice?
The presence of itching and / or scratching of the head, particularly severe at night, are the first signs of lice infestation.
Children aged 5 to 12 years are more likely to be infested with lice. Hair length has nothing to do with it.
The use of bright light and / or a magnifying glass to verify the presence of lice and nits.
What if it detects the presence of lice?
Once you have found nits or lice, do not act soon!
It is important to treat the infested child before doing back to school or daycare. Remember to inform the school officials, daycare and other groups which the child belongs (sports team, Cubs and others) of the infestation so they can take the necessary action.
Examine all others close (family members or friends). Keep in mind that once a family member has lice, it is quite possible that his entourage is also infested.
Consult the pharmacist to help you choose the most suitable to the product to treat lice. It will also benefit to give you the necessary information on the proper use of the product recommended.
Some cases require a medical examination. See a doctor if it is:
a pregnant or breastfeeding woman
a child under 2 years
a person with epilepsy
a person with open sores on the scalp
a lice infestation in the eyebrows, eyelashes or beard
a person showing allergies to certain plants (chrysanthemum or ambroise) or products pyrethrin
a person who has a persistent problem of lice infestation
How to deal effectively
Follow to the letter the instructions of the products recommended by your pharmacist or doctor.
Respect the time of application of different products.
Wait at least 2 days after treatment before washing hair.
The selected treatment must be repeated a second time, and in some cases a third time. You must check with the pharmacist about how often and when to repeat the treatment. Additional applications are required even if no live lice are slow and no visible. It is important that you follow his instructions to the letter so that the treatment is optimal.
Do not use conditioner before applying pest control, because it decreases the treatment effect.
How to remove the nits? and where to get mobile head lice removal service
Use a regular comb or a hair brush to untangle the hair.
Examine the hair strand by strand. Do it in a well lit area. If necessary, use a magnifying glass to see the nits.
Use your fingers to remove the nits or comb the hair against the grain (from the tip to the hairline) with a special comb with closely spaced teeth. This step is necessary for successful treatment. If you need to buy such a comb, ask your pharmacist to choose the good. The use of diluted vinegar based solutions, to facilitate removal of nits, is not recommended. These solutions can reduce the residual activity of the treatment.
How to prevent the disease?
Respect people treated for 2 to 3 weeks to ensure the disappearance nits and lice.
Proceed to wash clothing and bedding in contact with infected people as soon as you detect the presence of lice.
Wash clothes and bedding in hot water and dry on the hot cycle for at least 20 minutes.
Let dry clean clothes or objects that can not be washed.
Clean combs or brushes with soap and warm water (65 ° C) for 10 minutes and let them soak for 1 hour in rubbing alcohol.
Vacuum carpets, automotive seats, mattresses and furniture.
Remind children not to share combs, brushes, barrettes and hats with their peers. To get rid quickly of what this intruder lice, ask your pharmacist.
If you have questions about lice and treatment, please consult your pharmacist. It could prescribe among others, if your situation requires a treatment against lice. Prepare for your meeting by filling out the form and bring it on your visit to the pharmacy.