Why Head Lice Spread and How to Get Rid of Them
If your child is constantly scratching their head, it might be a sign of head lice. Children can catch this parasitic infection from their schoolmates, daycare center staff, and other children who share headgear. Here are some tips for preventing and treating head lice. Infested children should avoid touching their head with their hands, as this will result in more lice being spread to them.
The first step is to wash clothing and bedding in hot water and dry on high heat. After washing, you should keep these items for two weeks. You can also dry-clean carpets, car seats, and furniture. You should avoid using insecticides to treat head lice, as these products can expose you and your family to harmful chemicals. You should also check other members of your household for head lice.
It is also a good idea to sterilize household items and combs with a phenol solution. You can buy these products at drug stores and also use natural remedies. However, it is still advisable to consult a doctor if you are not satisfied with these methods. Alternatively, you can use olive oil on the eggs. Another way to treat the eggs is to use a fine metal comb. For easier removal, you can run the teeth of your comb through beeswax or olive oil.
While it is important to use a good quality head lice treatment to get rid of the infestation, it is also a good idea to use disposable gloves when touching your child’s head. It is important to use disposable gloves when handling a child’s hair, because head lice eggs are often hidden under the scalp. Make sure you use disposable gloves, and part your child’s hair into small sections. Then, look carefully at each section. Look for any moving lice. If you find one, apply a good product called Nix to get rid of the infestation.