Head lice are tiny greyish insects that invade the surface of the head clinging to the hair shaft. This epidemic is a common problem amongst children. Head lice are wingless parasitic insects that feed on the blood of their host. The eggs laid by the female head lice after mating are firmly attached to the scalp hair. Approximately a week after the eggs have been laid, they begin to hatch into offspring which are commonly referred to as nits.

What are Head Lice and Nits

Nits are lice eggs that appear as tiny yellow dots on the surface of the hair. The eggs begin to hatch at the hair shaft close to the scalp 1 to 2 weeks after it has being laid. Once hatched the lice appear as white or clear particles. These particles have a close resemblance to dandruff. The lice mature into an adult approximately 2 weeks after hatching. The adult lice which is referred to as a nymph, is the size of a sesame seed. These lice can lay up to 3 to 8 eggs daily.

Symptoms of Head Lice and Nits in children

*Itching of the scalp is commonly experienced. This irritation often occurs due to the biting of the scalp by the lice.
*In most cases a red rash may occur at the nape of the neck
*Inflammation may develop on the scalp
*Tiny red pimples or sores may also occur on the scalp
*A sensation of something moving in the hair may indicate an invasion of head lice and nits
*Excessive scratching can lead to the development of bacterial infection

What are the causes of Head Lice and Nits

*Head lice and nits are commonly transferred to from an infected individual to another.
*The contact of this contagious epidemic can occur with direct or close head to head contact such as a hug
*Poor hygiene can spread and worsen the epidemic but cannot be entirely responsible for the direct cause of the epidemic

Treatment and management of Head Lice & Nits

*The effective use of insecticides is commonly available in the form of a lotion, mousse or shampoo. Malathion, Permethrin and Phenothrin are the three common ingredients used in these topical treatments. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve effective results. Treatment should be repeated after 7 days as lice eggs are difficult to kill.
*The use of silicone based products such as Hedrin lotion, Itax lotion or NYDA pump spray are also effective forms of topical preparations. Silicone products kill the nits and lice by physically coating the surface and smothering them. It is important not to use a hair drier as the heat may alter the efficacy of the topical preparation.
*Combing wet hair with a fine tooth comb is a non-chemical method that is effective. Hair should be combed for a period of 30 minutes every 3rd to 4th day for a period of 2 weeks.
*Medicated shampoos may also be prescribed as an alternative treatment method. However it is advised that a child under 2 years of age should avoid the use of medicated shampoo and rather opt for the removal of nits and lice by hand
*Bed linen and stuffed toys should be washed regularly. Since nits and lice can survive without a host for 2 days it is advised to keep washed stuffed toys away until the epidemic has been treated.