How to get rid of lice from the scalp: all the most effective remedies
Among the school desks, between hugs and laughter, it happens at least once a year (when it's okay) to get lice. The problem is not (unlike what was believed until a few years ago) just cleaning the hair. In fact, it is not true that lice only lurk on dirty hair: think that instead they particularly love well washed hair! In schools of all types and also in kindergartens, as in places frequented by children, lice begin to proliferate. Lice infestation is very common: they attack children of all ages and with black, brown, blonde or red hair: no head is immune and it is good to discover the best products.
In any case, it is important to remember that hygiene is a good habit that you learn as a child and that accompanies you throughout your life!
What are lice
Head lice are not dangerous and cause no health problems except discomfort and itching. These insects sting the skin and the more they sting the more they cause an irrepressible desire to scratch until they almost get real lesions on the scalp. Head lice are very resistant little animals that are transmitted from scalp to scalp when children are near or through brushes, combs, hats and scarves. A child with pediculosis notices this easily: he scratches his head and scalp with a lot of energy! Lice multiply quickly and lay many eggs on the head, called nits. These eggs are reminiscent of phosphorus but then they hatch and give life to small red animals, the nymphs, which then mature and become black and gray parasites: here are the lice!
If your child has got lice then this is not a case of making a fuss but rather be prepared to run for cover.
How to tell if my baby has head lice?
Head lice mostly nest in the back of the head. If you have any doubts that your child has lice, arm yourself with a narrow comb, light and magnifying glass and carefully analyze the baby's scalp. If you notice specks of dandruff, try to shake them: if they remain firmly attached to the hair they could be nits, the eggs of lice. All these clues reveal the possibility of a parasite infestation. These insects survive an average of 30 days and it is very easy for a baby to mix with another baby just by getting close. Unlike what you have heard around, however, a louse does not jump, it cannot: so if you keep your distance you do not run any risk. Remember that 6 to 12 million children between the ages of 4 and 11 are affected by head lice each year, regardless of how clean they are. Another myth to dispel concerns animals: only one man can infect another man, animal parasites are another thing!
Head lice symptoms
Your baby probably has head lice if he has an intense itchy scalp and has small red bumps or crusts or white spots that are difficult to remove. To observe these small insects you have to observe carefully and closely. They are very small parasites and if they are not numerous it is really difficult to see them. To analyze a child's head, put on gloves and go to the window to observe the presence of parasites on the hair in natural light. In addition, a magnifying glass can be very useful. Divide your hair into small sections and look carefully for parasites or eggs. Even if you only find one egg or one louse, you need to go through a head lice treatment to make sure you get rid of all of them permanently.
My child has lice: what do I do?
There are many chemical products on the market that can remove lice by eliminating them permanently. In addition, there are many natural remedies so loved by our grandmothers that are really effective to prevent their reappearance. The first thing you will need is a fine mesh comb to pass every day on the baby's head to see if there are nits and maybe even a magnifying glass, the lice are really small! If your child has got lice, the first very important thing to do is to thoroughly wash the combs, brushes and hair clips and all his stuffed animals. Watch out for children's bedrooms. Lice lurk on his toys and clothing!
How to get rid of lice: the right products
In the pharmacy you will find many remedies, lotions and shampoos ideal for eliminating lice. Remember to repeat the treatment after a week to be sure to completely eradicate them. A first wash is usually enough to drastically decrease the itching and the urge to scratch.
An important part of the treatment, after washing with the product of your choice, is to remove the nits from your baby's hair. To remove the eggs more easily, pass the tightly woven (preferably metal) comb in olive oil! For all subsequent shampoos always use a natural disinfectant capable of avoiding a new infestation of parasites.
An excellent product against lice is vinegar, you can prepare a lotion with white wine and vinegar and use it every time you wash your baby's hair. At this point, let it act for 10 minutes on the hair, wrapping the baby's hair with a disposable plastic cap and then rinse carefully.
There are also natural alternatives, infused with eucalyptus, rosemary or garlic: use this mixture to rinse your hair and scalp after each shampoo ... these natural remedies are all marvelous disinfectants against parasites.
Another natural remedy that works very well to keep lice away is tea tree oil, an antiseptic essential oil that suffocates lice and nits and restores peace of mind to your baby!
