When children come home with headlice it is a complete nightmare. Though this creepy crawlies do not transmit diseases, it irritates and inflames the scalp making it very uncomfortable for the kid. Not only that if left untreated the entire family will be infected. So, here we are with 5 simple home remedies that will help you to get rid of head lice. We have also jotted down everything you need to know about head lice, so that you can identify and treat head lice early.
What is head lice?
Head lice are insects that are commonly seen in children from ages 3 to 2. These insects can occur at any age. Yhere6 is no difference between both genders. Without contact of humans, these lice will die within 2 days. They need human blood to survive. They do not cause any infection and the presence of lice is not linked with hygiene. They spread from head-to-head contact and can be found on belongings such as hats, scarves, dresses, blankets, towels, and pillows. They can live up to 30 days when they are in the host, that is the humans. They do not feed or stay on animals.
The life cycle of Louse
Head louse has three stages. They are
- Eggs and Nits
- Nymphs
- Adult Louse
Eggs and Nits
A female louse can lay up to 10 eggs in a day. They are usually found near the shaft of the hair. It is seen closer to the scalp. They are attached to the hair via a glue-like substance. This substance is yellow or white in color. They resemble dandruff but cannot be shaken off from hair easily. The eggs break within 8 to 10 days and the broken eggshell is called as a nit.
Nymphs
Nymphs are the young once of lice. They are small and quick. They take up to 9 to 12 days to become an adult louse. Thee are tiny and are difficult to catch and spot. They crawl very quickly. They become adult lice by feeding on the blood. Their growth into adult louse is quite rapid.
Adult louse
They are the size of a sesame seed. They are seen with six legs like any other insect. They are often in the same colur of hair. This usually makes it difficult to spot a louse. Without human blood, they can survive only for two days. Once separated from the host they can survive only for two days.
Symptoms of lice in hair
The most common symptom of lice is an itchy scalp. There are also other signs and Symptoms of lice infestation. Here is what you should look for to know If your kid is suffering from lice infestation.
1.Itchy scalp
As they move and suck out the blood, they contaminate the hair and scalp with Their saliva and feces. This results in an itchy scalp. An itchy scalp is noted most commonly after 6 weeks of infestation, although those with sensitive scalp may identify it earlier
2.Spotting of nits, eggs, or lice
If you find dandruff-like spots on hair that don’t go away with brushing then it is most probably a lice infestation. You may even and notice lice and nits on your child’s hair while combing or in their belongings.
3.Inflamed scalp
The constant itchiness can lead to scratching. These scratching’s irritate the scalp and make it inflamed.
4.Sores and crust
The constant scratching can lead to sores on the scalp. If left untreated they can firm crusts which are painful
5.Lymph nodes
The itchiness, scratching and crusting can lead to infection. This can be confirmed by the presence of lymph nodes on the neck.
6.Lack of sleep
Usually, these insects are active at night and cause itchiness which leads to a lack of sleep. If you see your kid tossing in the bed, unable to sleep, check for head lice.
7.Irritability
All these symptoms can make your kid irritable. If you find your child scratching the head, irritable, and finding it difficult to sleep, then you must follow the following steps to get rid of the lice.
How to remove lice?
If lice are found on one person every close member of the family should be checked for lice infestation. It is better to disinfect all the belongings of the infested person to eradicate the lice. Remember removing all the eggs nits and lice is the only way to get freedom from lice infestation.
1.Combing the hair
Combining the hair with lice or a nit comb is an effective way to remove lice. Start combing from the scalp downwards. Sectioning the hair and combing under sunlight will be more helpful to spot lice. Combing can be done in two ways
2.Wet combing
This is usually done by applying moisturizer to the hair, followed by combing
1.Oil combing
It is believed that oil can smother the lice and you can easily remove it with a combo after oiling the scalp and hair. You can also oil the comb.
Yeka Moringa Magic Hair oil contains neem, virgin coconut oil, and more. Apart from. making your hair healthy this hair oil keeps you away from lice too.
2.Tea tree Oil
Tea tree oil s antibacterial and works on insects too. It is now proven that tea tree oil works against head lice. But, some children can be allergic to this essential oil. Test it before you apply it to the scalp
3.Neem Oil
Neem oil is said to have antibacterial properties and is known to get rid of insects. Traditionally neem juice was used to kill and get rid of lice.
4.Garlic
Garlic is used in ayurveda to get rid of lice. You can try to use garlic this way at home to get rid of head lice.
- Grind a few cloves of garlic into a fine paste. Mix it with lemon juice.
- Apply this on the roots and scalp. Rinse your hair after twenty minutes.
- Do it regularly to get rid of lice.
5.Clean
Clean the comb, dress, and personal belongings of the infested person in hot water. Heat kills the lice and nits. This step is necessary to prevent re-infection
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