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Most Asked Questions About Head Lice |
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Most Asked Questions About Head Lice |
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There are 8-12 million cases of head lice in our country per year. The following will help you answer some questions you may have about the detection and elimination of lice.
1. What do you do if you discover your child has lice?
Don’t panic or get embarrassed. A lice infestation is not a sign of lack of cleanliness. It is an easily treatable condition.
2. How many times do I need to treat my child to eliminate lice?
No lice treatment can guarantee 100% success with a single application. To eliminate lice and help prevent reinfestation, most "over-the-counter" lice treatments state that two 10-minute applications should be done 7 to 10 days apart. Each application should be followed with combing using a "nit" comb.
3. How do I recognize lice?
Lice are tiny insects that survive on human blood. Head lice are about as big as a sesame seed and may live on the human scalp.
4. How do lice live?
Lice hatch from eggs called nits. Nits are extremely tiny, yellowish or grayish white and tear drop shaped. The nits are attached to the hair shaft and will not wash out or blow away. They must be combed out of the hair using a special comb designed for this purpose. Lice hatch in about 1 week and are fully mature in about 9 to 12 days.
5. How did my child get lice?
Head lice cannot fly or jump from person to person. They can only crawl. They are usually passed from child to child through shared combs, hats and other personal items.
6. What are the symptoms of lice?
One of the most common symptoms of lice infestation is itching. If you notice your child repeatedly scratching, you should check for lice.
7. How do I look for lice?
Live lice can be difficult to locate because they move quickly and don’t like bright light. But their nits are easier to see. Closely examine the scalp in natural light and look for the eggs attached to the hair shaft. Also, inspect under the child’s finger nails.
8. Can I prevent lice from returning?
Yes, but lice can survive for up to 20 hours off the human scalp, on personal items and household surfaces, clothing or bed linen. Any combs and brushes should be soaked in a specific lice treatment or hot water (at least 130’F) for 10 minutes. Inspect and rinse thoroughly before use. Wash clothing and linen in hot water (at least 130’F) and then place the clothes in a hot dryer for 20 minutes. Place all non-washable items in a tightly sealed plastic bag for 14 days, then open outdoors and shake vigorously. Special lice control spray kills all lice and their eggs on mattresses, sofas and carpeting and is also available at your local pharmacy.
9. Do all lice treatments rinse away after use?
No. That’s why may want to choose one that does. RID shampoo rinses away and leaves no lasting active residue.
*Remember to read the package and all inserts carefully before using the product and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you have further concerns or questions about Head Lice, you call Jill Fries at 475-7844, or check out the links below for websites and printable fact sheets, posters and other information.
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Last UPdate: 06 November, 2006