Here are 20 important facts you need to know when it comes to the treatment of lice:
1. Lice have existed since the beginning of the earliest recorded time.
2. Lice definitely do not come from air, dirt or any spontaneous generation. Head lice come from other head lice, just like any other species.
3. Lice are usually acquired through head-to-head contact with a an infested person, or through the belongings of someone, such as combs, towels, pillows, scarves and hair accessories.
4. Humans cannot acquire or transfer lice to their pets, nor pets to humans.
5. A head louse can live off of a human scalp for not more than 48 hours, but can live on it for about 30 days.
6. Nits, which are usually white or light grey in color, are usually attached to the hair shaft at an angle and may not come off easily.
7. Once a nit is hatched and turns into a nymph, it will need human blood within 45 minutes and at least 5 times a day to survive.
8. Head lice are very much attracted to healthy and clean hair.
9. Once you are exposed to head lice, make sure to clean your hair every 3 to 4 weeks for the treatment of lice to make sure that your do not have a head lice infestation.
10. Pediculicides, which used to be the most effective shampoo and cream rinse for the treatment of lice, are no longer 100% effective.
11. Since it used to be an effective lice treatment, some people may still try using pediculicides. If this treatment of lice is not effective from the first time it is used, it could only mean that there are lots of other treatments which can be more effective. If you still opt for a pediculicide as a treatment, make sure to follow the directions carefully. Do not use it more than what is recommended and do not leave it on your head longer than the directed period.
12. Do not go for products which contain Lindane, which is a very strong neurotoxin.
13. Lice sprays may not be recommended due to the danger they may bring to children and small pets.
14. Lice sprays usually contain pyrethrin, which is also no longer effective when it comes to the treatment of lice.
15. Using olive oil and smothering the head lice can be an excellent treatment of lice when it comes to the elimination of pediculicide-resistant lice.
16. Manually picking the nits is an essential part of lice treatment.
17. Combing alone may not be able to get rid of head lice.
18. Do not concentrate on cleaning the house. You can disinfect it once but, more importantly, concentrate on the hair.
19. If you happen to discover that a playmate of your child is infested with head lice, inform the parents, the school or daycare about it immediately.
20. Head lice may not be dangerous and can be easily eliminated as long as you are persistent and well-informed. But, they may affect a person both physically and psychologically, which is why it is essential to work hard on eliminating them.
