Lice

Head lice is another common problem affecting primarily preschool and school-aged children and their close contacts. Head lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that survive by feeding on human blood at the base of the shaft of hair. Head lice most commonly spreads through close personal contact and by sharing personal belongings such as hats, combs, sheitels, brushes, towels and bedding.

The most common spots to find adult lice are behind the ears and along the back of the neck. Lice are tiny, can be either brown, white or black and can range in size from a strawberry seed to a sesame seed. Nits (lice eggs) can look like dandruff; however they are stuck to the hair shaft and cannot be easily brushed off. Lice is transmitted from head-to-head contact and occurs when children or family members interact closely together.

There are many over the counter treatments that work well such as Hedrin, Resultz or Ridlice. These all generally work the same way. First generously apply the cream to dry hair specifically paying attention to the areas around the ears and the nape of the neck, wait the amount of time directed on the bottle (anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour) and then comb through the hair multiple times until no more lice or nits are visualized. This should be repeated 24-48 hours later. It is always best to wipe the comb with a white paper towel each time to see if new eggs or lice are visualized. Once the whole head had been combed through without any eggs or lice seen, wash the hair thoroughly with shampoo.

A more natural approach to removing lice and nits would be to apply hair conditioner to dry hair and the scalp and leave in for one hour. Afterwards, comb the hair multiple times until no more lice or nits are seen. Any brand hair conditioner will do however Pantene Pro V is the one used by the lice removal experts.

Lice are not attracted to the smell of rosemary and therefore there are many rosemary sprays and shampoos that can be used daily as a preventative measure against lice. The best way to prevent a widespread infection is to comb through the hair at least twice a week with a lice comb. It is always easier to get rid of a few lice as opposed to an infestation. The best comb on the market against lice is the Assy 2000. It is well worth the 60 NIS investment..