Signs of Lice Infestation

During the early 1900s, it was believed there were outbreaks of louse (lice) -borne typhus and louse-borne recurring fever but, in reality, according to Dr. Robert Steele, Pediatrician at St. John's Children's Hospital in Wisconsin; "Lice don't cause any serious medical diseases, and they have nothing to do with the cleanliness of your home or your child,".

Girls are more commonly infested due to the fact that most girls have longer hair than boys and their play patterns include closer contact with other playmates.

You may first notice an infestation if you see your child scratching her head more than usual. Tiny bites can cause severe itchiness that may lead to skin irritation and swelling. Most bites are very tiny, but it they can be seen by looking for small red spots, mostly at the back of the neck, under the hair.

The saliva of the louse makes people sensitive to the bites and increases the irritation, thus increasing the chance of another infection caused by too much scratching. Symptoms aside from itching are, swollen glands found at the back of the neck; the hair produces foul odor and tiny, egg-shaped white spots are sticking to the hair shaft.

In the most severe cases, a secondary infection can be caused by the child's fingernails scratching through the scalp and causing what medical experts call "railroad tracking". This tracking is an under the skin infection that can cause a staph or strep infection.

Only inseminated eggs by the female will be hatched. All females lay eggs but not all are fertilized. Some nits (egg casings) are yellowish, others are a almost translucent white.

Once a louse (singular) is found, all the members of the family should be examined using a nit comb and magnifying glass. NEVER share a nit comb. One nit comb per scalp.

TREATMENT

"Pediculicides" are chemical treatments intended for lice infestation. Usually requiring repeated treatments in a two week period, to make sure that all the nits, nymphs (baby lice) and lice are completely eradicated.

Use of these chemical treatments come with a word of caution. They can cause further scalp irritations, rash or respiratory problems. These chemical treatments must be used with great caution if pregnant, and not ever be used on infants, unless specifically prescribed by a physician.

Another option is an organic treatment that can often be more effective against what is now called the "Super Lice" challenge. These are lice that have developed a genetic resistance to the over the counter chemical treatments.

Effective organic treatments are always a better option in treating lice infestation. Organics, in most cases will not add further irritation to the already irritated scalp and are less irritating to kids generally.