Lice are a small, wingless, parasitic insect. They can exist as sucking lice which suck the blood of their host, or of the biting variety. Both can infect the bodies of humans and other animals.

 

In humans the head lice feed off small quantities of blood sucked from the scalp and can lay their eggs for reproduction purposes on individual strands of hair. To get rid of any infestation of lice can be a lengthy process. It is far better to prevent head lice in the first place. Here’s how.

 

  1. Lice do not have the ability to jump; they can only crawl slowly so the only way lice can transfer from person to person is by direct contact. In the case of head lice the transfer can only be achieved by two heads coming into contact. The best method of prevention is to avoid head to head contact especially in children who often share secrets in close head contact.

 

  1. Lice can live comfortably in an article of clothing away from a human host for a short time. Again, especially children, should be made aware of the risks attached to using hats and scarves of any other person. Teach them not to pile their school clothes on top of the clothes of others in the school cloakroom or playground, and to keep their own clothes separate from other children.

 

  1. If a child does receive an infestation of head lice it can be treated at home by using tea tree oil bought from the pharmacy. Make up a solution by adding about 10 drops of the oil to 2oz. of water and spray onto the head each day checking that the whole scalp is covered and the oil rubbed in. The tree oil or perhaps cinnamon can also be added to usual shampoo used for washing the hair.

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