|
THE FACTS OF LICE
What are head lice?
|
- Head lice are small, brown six legged insects about the size
of a sesame seed that live close to the human scalp.
|
- Head lice have small needle-like mouths, which they use to
suck blood from the scalp
|
| |
|
The Facts:
|
- Lice are not the same as nits. Lice are the living insects
and nits are the pearly white eggs that they lay
|
- Having nits does not mean you have head lice. Nits will remain
stuck to the hair until it grows out, even if all the lice are
dead.
|
- Anybody can get head lice, not just children.
|
- Head lice can live in long, short, dirty or clean hair.
|
- Head lice can't swim, fly. hop or jump.
|
- Most infections are most commonly caught from family and friends,
not at school.
|
| |
|
What do they do?
|
- Head lice rarely caue more harm than an itchy scalp.
|
| |
|
How are they transmitted?
|
- Head lice walk from one head to the next when they are touching
for some time.
|
- Head lice cannot be caught from objects such as chair backs,
pillows or towels. They are rarely caught from combs, scarves
or hats.
|
| |
|
How do I find out if my child has them?
|
- Using a very fine toothcomb it may be possible to comb dead
lice and nits out of the hair. Nit combs are available from
pharmacies. Combing hair over a white piece of paper will make
them easier to spot.
|
- Combing hair after it has been washed and conditioner has
been applied is very effective. Use a special nit comb and keep
checking it for lice.
|
- Search for the old eggs (nits) which are smaller than a pinhead,
white and an inch or two from the scalp, firmly stuck to the
hair
|
| |
|
How do I get rid of them?
|
- Only treat someone for head lice if a living louse has been
found in their head.
|
- Lotions are available from pharmacies and surgeries to combat
the problem.
|
- If lice are found after treatment, seek medical advice. Do
not continue to apply lotion.
|
- Hair conditioner and a nit comb can also be used. Follow the
advice on the nit comb packaging.
|
- Be sure to check the whole family regularly for lice.
|
Further Information:
Head Lice
Head Lice Info
Healthy
Facts: Head Lice
|
