Lice are parasitic insects that commonly reemerge at the beginning of the school year. It is important to remain calm, as treatments for lice and nits are effective; prompt action is essential.
Understanding Lice
There are three primary types of lice: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice.
Head lice are small parasites characterized by their hooked legs, which enable them to cling to hair. They require human blood for sustenance and utilize hair to deposit their eggs. Nits, the eggs laid by female lice, are translucent and often more visible than the lice themselves, typically found along the lengths of the hair.
Pediculosis refers to an infestation of lice on the scalp. The lifespan of a louse is approximately two months when residing on the scalp; however, they cannot survive outside this environment without a blood source. Head lice predominantly affect children aged 6 to 8 years, particularly in group settings. The life cycle of a louse consists of several stages:
- The female louse lays eggs, known as nits.
- Within one week, these nits develop into larvae, referred to as nymphs.
- Approximately one week later, the louse matures into an adult.
Body lice inhabit clothing, and it is advisable to consult a dermatologist in such cases. Pubic lice, commonly referred to as “crabs,” are transmitted through sexual contact.
Distinguishing Between Nits and Dandruff
Nits can be identified by their adherence to hair; they remain attached even when the hair is shaken. In contrast, dandruff is easily dislodged and may fall onto clothing.
Causes of Lice Infestation
There are several misconceptions regarding lice, such as the belief that they jump from one head to another or that they are attracted to unclean hair. In reality, lice do not jump or fly and are not indicative of poor hygiene; anyone can become infested. Transmission occurs through direct contact (hair-to-hair) or via contaminated objects such as hats, combs, brushes, and bedding. Lice can spread rapidly.
While human head lice do not possess the ability to fly or jump, they can crawl quickly. It is important to note that lice cannot survive on animals, such as cats or dogs, and they are resistant to water.
Appearance of Nits
Adult lice are often difficult to detect due to their small size, whereas nits are more easily recognizable. They are grayish in color and oval in shape, resembling slightly sticky dandruff but remaining firmly attached to the hair.
To remove nits, utilize a fine-toothed comb, which should be drawn from the root to the tip of the hair. The process is more effective on slightly damp hair.
Identifying Lice Infestation
Itching and scratching of the scalp are the initial symptoms of an infestation. Lice are typically located:
- At the hairline
- At the base of the neck
- Behind the ears
If you suspect that your child has head lice, it is advisable to check for nits immediately and to conduct follow-up examinations in one to two weeks. Scalp inspections should be performed in bright light for optimal effectiveness. Confirmation of head lice presence requires the identification of live lice. It is important to note that it is possible to have a few nits without an active lice infestation.
Rapid Removal of Lice
Effective lice treatment serves a dual purpose: it must eliminate both nits (through lenticide treatment) and lice (through pediculicide treatment). Two types of products can be employed:
- Asphyxiating Treatments: Lice breathe through their bodies, making it possible to suffocate them by applying fatty substances such as coconut oil or monoi oil, or silicone derivatives (e.g., dimethicone). Unlike insecticides, these products are non-toxic, as their action is primarily mechanical. Additionally, lice do not develop resistance to these treatments. A selection of such products can be found on Doctissimo.
- Natural Remedies: Various natural anti-lice treatments, including essential oils, onion juice, vinegar, and meadowsweet shampoo, are available for those seeking alternatives. However, it is crucial to note that these remedies do not replace pharmaceutical treatments, and if the infestation worsens or persists, consultation with a physician is recommended. The use of essential oils is contraindicated for children and pregnant women, particularly in their pure form.
To prevent widespread infestation, it is essential to monitor and, if necessary, treat all family members and close contacts who may be at risk.
Antiparasitic Treatments
The use of malathion has been discontinued since the end of 2018 due to neurological risks, and it is no longer manufactured. Other insecticides, such as natural or synthetic pyrethrins, are commonly found in anti-lice shampoos. However, it is important to be aware of increasing resistance to these treatments.
When using shampoos, it is advisable to combine them with a lotion and to follow the instructions carefully to ensure effective decontamination.
Practical Application of Treatments
- Apply the antiparasitic lotion to dry hair, as the product contains oil.
- Remove nits and lice using a specialized comb with fine teeth designed to capture lice and nits. To facilitate the removal of nits, dip the comb in white vinegar between passes.
- Thoroughly wash the hair with anti-lice shampoo.
- Repeat the treatment two days later to eliminate any lice that may have hatched after the initial treatment.
- Wash all bedding, pillowcases, hats, clothing, and stuffed animals in hot water (at least 60°C) to eliminate any remaining parasites.
Natural Treatments for Lice
Certain natural treatments for scalp pediculosis may prove effective. For instance, a hair mask made from coconut oil mixed with essential oil can be applied to oneself or a child.
If body lice or head lice are present and lesions appear on the scalp, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.
Precautions When Treating Lice
Avoid applying anti-lice products to open or infected wounds. If lice reappear two days after the initial treatment, consider using a different treatment approximately ten days later. Some treatments may not be suitable for young children; in such cases, shaving the child’s head may be necessary. It is important to handle these products with care, as they can be toxic.
Store all treatments out of reach of children.
Evaluating Home Remedies for Lice
Many traditional home remedies for lice removal, such as mayonnaise, diatomaceous earth, clay, thyme, or henna, are not sufficiently effective and should be avoided.
Permanently Removing Dead Nits
When a nit hatches, its protective shell remains attached to the hair fiber before turning white, making it challenging to distinguish from live nits. Nits located less than 1 mm from the scalp are likely dead or empty, and it is advisable to remove them for hygiene reasons.
Anti-lice and anti-nit shampoos are available for this purpose, although they may not always be effective. Some essential oils, such as lavender or tea tree oil, can assist in eliminating dead nits without harming the scalp. However, essential oils should not be used on pregnant women or children under three years of age.
Preventing Lice Infestation
Lice repellents in spray form are readily available and can be used as a preventive measure, particularly when lice are first reported in a school setting. It is important to note that these products are not treatments and will not be effective if a child is already infected.
Lice infestations (pediculosis) represent a public health concern. Vigilance is essential for early detection, particularly among children in daycare centers, schools, summer camps, or similar environments conducive to outbreaks. In the event of an infestation, it is crucial to report the issue promptly to prevent further spread.
To prevent lice in communal settings, essential oils may be utilized; however, caution should be exercised to avoid applying them in their pure form to pregnant women, infants, and young children. Diluting essential oils with coconut oil is recommended.
Natural Anti-Lice Solutions and Tips for Removing Empty Nits
Examples of effective essential oils for lice prevention include:
- Tea Tree Essential Oil: Known for its insect-repellent and antiparasitic properties.
- Lavender Essential Oil: Particularly effective against head lice and serves as a reference for lice prevention.
As a preventive measure, consider applying one or two drops of your chosen essential oil to accessories such as hair ties, hats, or scarves. Additionally, applying a mixture of vegetable oil and essential oil behind the ears can provide further protection. Incorporating a few drops of essential oil into shampoo can also help deter lice.