Head Lice Treatment - How to Get Rid of Lice

If you suspect that you or your child has head lice, you should immediately seek treatment. There are several home treatments for lice that can work well, as well as stronger treatments prescribed by a doctor. Home treatments are effective for eradicating lice, but if you find that lice keep coming back, you may need to see a dermatologist for a stronger treatment.

The first step in getting rid of head lice is to identify the nits that are close to the scalp. Head lice can be spread from person to person, even in the same household, so it is important to treat them as quickly as possible. Children should also not share combs, hats, or tuques, because these can spread the infection.

The most obvious sign of lice infestation is itching. This is caused by the saliva of the lice. Lice can live for one to two weeks in your hair before laying their eggs. Once the eggs hatch, they will begin to infest your hair. The symptoms of an infestation include intense itching and small red bumps on your head. You may also notice dandruff or scabs on your head.

To prevent head lice from spreading, you can treat your child’s hair by rinsing it with hot water and detergent. This treatment must be repeated every 9 to 10 days to keep the lice away. It is also important to treat every member of the household who comes into contact with a child infected with lice.