Head Lice Myths and Practical Ways to Treat For This Pest
Many misconceptions surround head lice concerning both their treatment and nature. It is important that once head lice have been identified in the home, realistic measures for treating head lice should be taken to deal with the problem correctly.
There are multiple myths surrounding head lice and their interactions with people. Head lice do not have wings and cannot jump or fly. They do not transmit communicable diseases. They do not live on animals. Head lice can only be passed from person to person through direct contact between people or their belongings. The most frequent transfers occur when using common items such as combs, brushes, towels, bedding, and shower caps.
Head lice are dependent on their host for warmth and food. They typically will live up to thirty days but generally can only survive off their host for 24 hours or so. Their only food source is blood found through the scalp. It is important to remember that head lice are a human parasite and not transferred by animals. They can appear on any race or sex and at any age. Personal hygiene and length of hair does not make one immune to head lice.
To get rid of head lice, treatment must address the individual as well as the surrounding environment. First the infected person must be treated effectively including appropriate hair treatments and combing out all the nits and lice. Then one needs to look at all the areas the infected person has visited and items that they could have come into contact with.
All washable items like clothes, bedding, and towels should be washed in hot water. Exposure to temperatures above 125 degrees F for 10 minutes is lethal to lice and nits. If items are not washer safe, they can also be thrown into the dryer on the hot cycle for 20 minutes. Articles can also be dry cleaned or they can be placed in an airtight bag to be isolated for two weeks.
Combs and brushes can be cleaned by placing them in a pan of hot water heated to 150 degrees F for 10 minutes. If this would damage these items, combs and brushes can also be placed in a phenol solution such as Lysol and soaked for an hour. Other hair items like head bands and ties should also be treated or discarded.
You should also completely vacuum and thoroughly clean all carpets, furniture upholstery, and cars (both car seats and the complete interior). Mattresses of the infected person should also be thoroughly vacuumed. Fumigating your home and insecticidal sprays for furniture and carpeting are generally not necessary or recommended for killing head lice.
Once identified, you want to be sure to treat both the person and the environment. This will maximize the chance to rid the infected individual of head lice as quickly as possible and minimize the opportunity of the lice being transferred to other individuals. Quick attention can avoid many potential issues. By taking the proper steps early and consistently, you can stop the problem before it has a chance to really start.
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(The contents of this page are for informational purposes only.
Nothing in this is intended to diagnose any disease or to provide
any medical advice or substitute for the advice of your personal
health care physician. Always be sure to consult with your health
care provider before starting any new program or treatment.)
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