How to get Rid of Head Lice

By Sammy Cox - 2007-10-15 Find more articles like this in our Skin Disorders category.

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Introduction

In this article I am going to discuss why people get head lice and what to do and what not to do to get rid head lice. I will show the best treatments available to get rid of head lice in days based on my personal knowledge and years of research after my two young ones couldn't get rid of their head lice after picking it up at school. All too often parents of kids at our school are asking "how to get rid of head lice" so I gathered there must be millions of parents across the globe interested in this article.

Facts About Lice

Anyone can get head lice - An itchy scalp is the most common symptom of head lice.

They can be confused with sand, hair products, or dandruff & May be found anywhere on the head.

Lice don't jump or fly, but they are fast crawlers, and are Normally contracted from hair-to-hair contact.

They require a person's body temperature and moisture to survive, & Die in 1 day or less when off the body.

They spread do not spread disease, and Pets do not carry human head lice.

More Info on Head Lice

Head Lice are small about 1/32 to 1/16 inch in size. They can grow to almost an 1/8 inch, in some cases. They are visible to the naked eye. They do not fly or jump. They do crawl and scurry about the hair and scalp. They are an off white, brown, or sort of dirt in color. It is best to use a bright light to examine the hair and scalp. The brighter the light the easier they are to find. You may even do this out doors under direct sun light. Try running a fine tooth comb through the hair and then examine the comb.

Even if you do not find any live lice, you may still have a problem. So also look for nits, these are the eggs laid by female lice. Nits are found attached to the individual hair shaft, close to the scalp; usually not more than 1 inch above the scalp. They appear to be a tiny speck of sand on the hair. If you see what might be one, blow on it - If it flies off on the wind - it was likely only a piece of dirt, lint, or dandruff. On the other hand, if it just sits there and does not move - It is likely to be a nit (lice egg).

How To Get Rid Of Head Lice

Combing Only "The Zero Cost Method":

Combing alone can be an effective way to treating head lice. I do of course recommend finding a lice treatment, or medication for head louse - of your choosing and following the instructions that come with it. However, I do understand that monetary issues sometimes are a factor, and that human head lice infestations occur on their own schedule.

Therefore if you presently have no other way, get to combing lice and nits (ie eggs)! Begin by wetting the hair; you may add a little cream rinse or conditioner to facilitate the movement of a nit comb (fine tooth) through the hair. This will also stop the ability of head lice to just race through the hair and crawl out of sight. Concentrate initially on removing every bug you find. Then work on the eggs and any bugs you may have missed as you work your way through the hair. You will need to comb the hair - then rinse - then comb a second time in on sitting. With patience and persistence you will eventually remove all lice and nits. Just do not give up, check each day until you find none for 3 days in a row.

Head lice can be really stubbon crittors to get rid of and I hope the above information helps you somewhat in getting rid of you head lice issues.

I must state that although the comb through method can be effective, 95% of the time it needs to be treated with a remedy of some sort to ensure they do not come back as they tend to do.

The best natural remedy for getting rid of lice in hair can be found in our article Head lice winning the war naturally.