The head lice are a tiny and wingless insect, which infects children’s scalp, ages 3 to 12 years. The head lice lives on scalp of victims and feeds itself on blood, drawn from the scalp, several times a day, in minor quantity. The head lice are tiny but can be seen by the naked eye or seen by the use of a magnifying glass. The lice lay their eggs (nits) on hairs of scalp. The eggs of lice resemble dandruff and hatch in 1 to 2 weeks. The head lice are a contagious and an annoying disease. The children complain of tickling sensation and itching on their heads. The bites of head lice cause irritation on child’s scalp, which becomes itchy and repeated scratching by child causes inflammation of scalp and then development of skin infection. In worst cases, the regional lymph glands are swollen and painful. If you observe that your child is constantly scratching his or her head or complains of an itching scalp then you can consult your doctor. The doctor will diagnose the problem and will recommend necessary treatment.

Preventive Measures:

The head lice spread mainly by head-to-head contact, sharing of clothing, bed linens, combs, brushes, and hats. If a child gets head lice infestation, then take under mentioned steps to get rid of lice and its re-infestation. Washing of all bed covers and clothing, that has been used by anyone having head lice infestation, in boiling water for at least half an hour. Clean the combs, hair ties, bands, headbands and brushes with alcohol or medicated  shampoo. Since head lice are passed from person to person in the same house, bedmates and infested family members will also need treatment to prevent the lice from coming back. The head lice can be prevented by telling kids to avoid head to head contact with other children at school and during play, not to share combs, brushes, hats, scarves, bands, ribbons, hair ties or bands, towels, helmets, or other personal care items with anyone else, not to lie on bedding, pillows, and carpets that have recently been used by someone having head lice.

Treatment:

Your doctor will give necessary medications to treat the kid. Follow his advice carefully. Reassure the kid that having head lice doesn’t mean that he is dirty. This reassurance by parents can help their children to be a victim of guilt. The parents should be aware of the fact that most of medicines required to treat the head lice are insecticides and they should not start medication, if their child in under two years of age.