Do Head Lice Have a Purpose?

While head lice can be annoying, they do not present any serious health risks and are not contagious. They do not carry any diseases and do not indicate poor hygiene or low social standing. If you or your child are suffering from head lice, here are some helpful tips to prevent the spread of the infection.

The first step to preventing the spread of head lice is to identify and treat the affected person. It is important to remember that children with lice should not return to school until they are completely lice-free. You can treat your child yourself or ask your pharmacist or pediatrician for some lice treatments. The treatment should be done promptly after you notice a head lice infestation and only after you have confirmed the lice’s presence. To confirm the presence of lice in your child, look for a live louse in their hair, and one or more nits on the hair shaft. The nits should be located within 1/4 inch of the scalp. Invest in a good nit comb to remove these pests.

When treating head lice, make sure to wash your child’s hair before combing it. This will make it easier for you to see the lice and prevent them from scurrying away. Alternatively, you can use a natural remedy, like olive oil, to treat the lice on your child’s head. You can also use a fine metal comb to remove the eggs. Beeswax also helps to remove lice eggs.