General Tips Headlice
- Use a head lice detector comb (fine-toothed plastic/metal detection comb, tooth spacing less than 0.3mm) and comb weekly (this is because it is difficult to detect head lice from just inspecting the head) and/or check for head lice in strong light, using a magnifying glass.
- A normal comb will not trap the head lice.
- Use it when the hair is wet as they don’t move much in wet hair.
- Examine your hair regularly and check after 14 days to check for re-infection whether one has used medicinal or non-medicinal treatment.
Use ‘Wet Combing Method’ (long brushing)
- Wash hair with shampoo (head lice can’t move well in wet hair) and use plenty of conditioner (don’t wash conditioner out) because head lice do not grip will in conditioner.
- Comb your hair with a head lice detector comb (fine-toothed plastic/metal detection comb, tooth spacing less than 0.3mm) and wipe) to trap head lice and eggs and comb hair in sections from root to tip and check against a white piece of paper or white cloth (combing with a normal comb brush will not remove nits but can be used if you want to detangle hair).
Please note this can be painful for Afro-Caribbean hair.
Please use a wider comb and plenty of conditioner.
- Clean (wipe or wash) comb after each stroke and comb systematically through sections of head.
- AFTER doing the head wash out conditioner while wet. To get ride of tangles use a normal comb/brush.
- Repeat every 3 days until one see no head lice (normal time period 3 weeks).
- Once no head lice seen continue for a further 3 weeks, every 3 days sessions to make absolutely sure (again use a sheet of paper to see head lice or wipe with white cloth to remove all nits and young lice (nymphs).
- There are treatment centres that can provide such services.
- Comb one’s hair each night.
- Check clothes and bedding for black specs regularly and wash at 50°C for at least 20 minutes cycles and/or in hot water equal or greater than 66°C and dry in a hot dryer for 15 minutes.
- Wash any object that the infected child has come into contact with in the past 48 hours in hot water for at least 5 minutes.
- Storing items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Treat all members with medication and combing technique above in a household at same time.
- Try not to scratch head as increased risk of infection (see ‘skin infection’ in ‘The Infection service’ within the Medtick Programme)
- Head lice repellents are available.
- It is best not to share combs, clothing or bedding or towels or headphones or favourite items i.e toys.
- Seal potentially contaminated but non-washable objects in plastic bags for 2 weeks. (The lice will die within 2 days, and the eggs/nits will hatch and die within 2 weeks.)
- Shaving one’s head is not effective treatment since lice can cling on to 1 mm of hair.
- Good hygiene is essential in terms of washing your hands especially after going to the toilet and before meals.
- Children with head lice can still go to school but must let their teachers know.
- Let work colleagues know or if in regular contact with others members. Particularly where doing activities where head to head contact is involved.
- Long hair should be tied and fringes tucked up when infestation is present.
Natural treatments and tips (DR Axe)
