Diagnosing Head Lice
Diagnosing head lice can be done by carefully checking the hair and scalp for signs of lice. Find a well-lit area to make it easier to see the lice and nits. Use a fine-toothed comb or a special lice comb to go through the hair, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends of the hair. Look for adult lice, which are about the size of a sesame seed and have six legs, and nits (lice eggs) that are tiny and oval-shaped. They are attached to the hair strands close to the scalp. Be sure to check the areas behind the ears and near the neckline, as lice and nits are often found there. If you find live lice or nits, you likely have a head lice infestation, and it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible.
How Do I Get Rid of Head Lice & Nits?
So, the three stages of a head lice infestation are the egg (nit) stage, the nymph stage, and the adult stage. It’s important to treat all stages to get rid of head lice completely. Remember, it’s important to treat head lice thoroughly and follow the instructions for each treatment to make sure you target all stages of the lice life cycle. Also, let others know about the infestation, so they can check for lice too, and this will help prevent the lice from coming back. To make it more clear we made an overview of possible treatment options per life stage of head lice:
| Head Lice Life Stage | Treatment Options |
|---|---|
| Nits (Eggs) | Manual removal with a fine-toothed comb (e.g. nit comb) <br> Applying OTC or prescription-strength pediculicides (e.g. permethrin, malathion) directly to the scalp and hair to suffocate the eggs. |
| Nymphs (Immature Lice) | Applying OTC or prescription-strength pediculicides (e.g. permethrin, malathion) directly to the scalp and hair. <br> Manual removal with a fine-toothed comb (e.g. nit comb) to remove live nymphs before they can mature and reproduce. |
| Adult Lice | Applying OTC or prescription-strength pediculicides (e.g. permethrin, malathion) directly to the scalp and hair. <br> Manual removal with a fine-toothed comb (e.g. nit comb) to remove live adults. |
| All Stages | Combing out all lice and nits with a nit comb. <br> 2. Repeating treatment after 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. <br> Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and dry on high heat to kill any remaining lice or nits. |
Clean Personal Items
Cleaning personal items is a crucial step when treating head lice, as it helps eliminate any lingering lice or eggs that may be hiding on those items. By neglecting to clean these items, you risk the possibility of the lice or eggs returning to your scalp or someone else’s, resulting in a new infestation. Moreover, this measure can effectively prevent the spread of lice to others who may come into contact with shared items such as combs, brushes, hats, or headphones.
Although dealing with head lice can be a frustrating experience, the right information and treatment options can effectively eliminate them and prevent re-infestation. Therefore, it’s essential to conduct extensive research about head lice infestation and treatment options before beginning the treatment process. While you can seek guidance from your healthcare provider, it’s also possible to find ample information about head lice online. We are here to assist you in your quest for information, so please continue your search here:
