Basic Information about Head Lice
It is a common thing to get head lice. People get them by having hair to hair contact directly with an infected individual. This is most common to ...
It is a common thing to get head lice. People get them by having hair to hair contact directly with an infected individual. This is most common to children given that from time to time mainly when in school, they will play along with other kids carelessly since they are not aware. People fear head lice will jump from one head to another but this is not true because they do not have legs neither do they fly instead they can only crawl.
Getting head louse is not a sign of bad personal hygiene or an unclean living environment unlike body lice, so if you find lice, don’t worry or be embarrassed as it can affect all types of hair irrespective of its condition and length .Head lice merely have an effect on humans and cannot be passed on to animals or be caught from them.
Symptoms are;
Ø Tickling feeling in the hair
Ø Small, red bump or sores from scratching.(to some kids, the irritation is mild while for others, a more bothersome reaction may develop. Note excessive scratching can lead to a bacterial infection).
Ø Frequent itching
How can you prevent the spread of head lice?
It is best controlled through the co-operation of parents, teachers and public health personnel or anyone else concerned with the health of the kids.
Once parents learn how to recognize head lice, then the following can easily be done;
Ø Regular inspection of the children’s scalps.
Ø Teaching children how head lice are spread and how to control them.
Ø Awareness to schools once there is an outbreak of head lice.
Ø Treatment to the family as soon as live lice is found.
Ø Avoid sharing of personal belongings such as caps and combs.
Ø Wet combing can be used regularly without medicated lotions.
Ø Use of non-toxic enzyme-based head lice shampoo to clean your head thoroughly.
Facts about head lice
Ø They are an established part of school life and at any one time millions of children have head them.
Ø They do not cause or carry disease.
Ø They can easily be treated.
Ø They are the only bugs that will live on your head and feed on human blood obtained through the scalp.
Ø Using the conditioner and comb method once every week will help your family unit control head lice.
Care should be taken when using Medicated treatments to kill lice and nits:
Ø They are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
Ø In children less than 12 months old
Ø In people who have allergies, open wounds on the scalp, or asthma.
Where to get help from;
- Teachers and educationists.
- From the doctors.
- Your local government health department.
- From pharmacists.
- Public Health.
Conclusion
Responsibility starts with you and me therefore head lice can be controlled and prevented completely without any doubt. Parents educate your children about head lice and how to avoid them. Check their hairs whenever they come back from school.
It is a common thing to get head lice. People get them by having hair to hair contact directly with an infected individual. This is most common to children given that from time to time mainly when in school, they will play along with other kids carelessly since they are not aware. People fear head lice will jump from one head to another but this is not true because they do not have legs neither do they fly instead they can only crawl.
Getting head louse is not a sign of bad personal hygiene or an unclean living environment unlike body lice, so if you find lice, don’t worry or be embarrassed as it can affect all types of hair irrespective of its condition and length .Head lice merely have an effect on humans and cannot be passed on to animals or be caught from them.
Symptoms are;
Ø Tickling feeling in the hair
Ø Small, red bump or sores from scratching.(to some kids, the irritation is mild while for others, a more bothersome reaction may develop. Note excessive scratching can lead to a bacterial infection).
Ø Frequent itching
How can you prevent the spread of head lice?
It is best controlled through the co-operation of parents, teachers and public health personnel or anyone else concerned with the health of the kids.
Once parents learn how to recognize head lice, then the following can easily be done;
Ø Regular inspection of the children’s scalps.
Ø Teaching children how head lice are spread and how to control them.
Ø Awareness to schools once there is an outbreak of head lice.
Ø Treatment to the family as soon as live lice is found.
Ø Avoid sharing of personal belongings such as caps and combs.
Ø Wet combing can be used regularly without medicated lotions.
Ø Use of non-toxic enzyme-based head lice shampoo to clean your head thoroughly.
Facts about head lice
Ø They are an established part of school life and at any one time millions of children have head them.
Ø They do not cause or carry disease.
Ø They can easily be treated.
Ø They are the only bugs that will live on your head and feed on human blood obtained through the scalp.
Ø Using the conditioner and comb method once every week will help your family unit control head lice.
Care should be taken when using Medicated treatments to kill lice and nits:
Ø They are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
Ø In children less than 12 months old
Ø In people who have allergies, open wounds on the scalp, or asthma.
Where to get help from;
- Teachers and educationists.
- From the doctors.
- Your local government health department.
- From pharmacists.
- Public Health.
Conclusion
Responsibility starts with you and me therefore head lice can be controlled and prevented completely without any doubt. Parents educate your children about head lice and how to avoid them. Check their hairs whenever they come back from school.

