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ResidentInsomniac · Site Admin

What are head lice?

Head lice (singular louse) are small insects about the size of a
sesame seed (that's about 1/8 of an inch). They live on the scalp and their food source is human blood. Lice rely on rapid crawling to get around. And unlike the fleas or ticks that you may be all too familiar with from Rover, lice cannot fly or jump from one person to another.

What are nits?

Nits are lice eggs laid by the female louse. They are about the size of a poppy seed and can be clear or light-coloured. Nits are very difficult to see and are often mistaken for dandruff. The eggs are laid near the scalp and are stuck to the hair with a waterproof glue-like substance. This makes it very difficult for the nits to be removed - washing and brushing won't budge them.

The life of lice

Lice live for about 40 to 50 days and go through 3 different life stages:

* Stage 1 - Nits: Lice stay in this egg stage for about one week.
* Stage 2 - Nymphs: After the nit hatches, it is called a nymph. Nymphs look like smaller versions of adult lice, but they cannot reproduce. The nymph stage lasts for about one week.
* Stage 3 - Adult lice: Adult lice live for about 30 days on a person's head.

Does my child have lice?

Itchy, itchy, scratchy, scratchy... Itching and scratching the head are often the first signs of head lice - but it's possible to have head lice without any symptoms. It's important to know not only the signs and symptoms, but also how to check for head lice to confirm a case.

Signs of head lice include:

* tickling feeling (like something moving in the hair)
* itching (this can be caused by an allergic reaction to the bites)
* irritability
* sores on the scalp from scratching

Visit your health care professional if you have any questions about symptoms or treatments associated with head lice.

What am I looking for?

To confirm a case of head lice, you need to find live lice. A child with a case of head lice may only have 10 to 20 live lice. Adult lice move very quickly and this makes them hard to see. It is usually easier to look for the nits.

Nits are small, light-coloured eggs that are found at the base of the hair shaft, very close to the scalp. They are firmly attached to the hair. They often look like puffy, shiny, translucent pieces of dandruff, but you can tell the difference by trying to remove one. If it comes off easily, it is a flake of dandruff. If it is hard to remove, it could be a nit.

Although nits are easier to see than lice, it's hard to tell if the nits are dead or alive. This difference is important because live nits indicate an active case of head lice. The presence of dead nits, or their encasings, just means that there were lice at some point.

Dead nits may look whiter and more dried out than live nits. As well, live nits are often found closer to the scalp (less than 1 cm from the scalp) than dead nits.

When should I check for lice?

* If you think your child may have head lice, check the hair for nits immediately.
* If no lice or nits are found, repeat the procedure again in one week.
* Repeat again after 2 weeks if someone else in the family, school, or daycare has head lice.

How do I check for lice?

* Position the person's head under good light (a magnifying glass can help). Lice may crawl away quickly from the light, so keep an eye out for movement.
* Part the hair into small sections going from side to side with your fingers or a nit comb (a very fine-toothed comb designed for this purpose).
* Look for lice and nits close to the scalp, especially behind the ears and near the back of the neck, right at the hairline.
* Look from different angles by moving the person around while you look for nits and lice.
* Remember that if you can easily dislodge a particle, it is likely dandruff, dirt, or dust, not a nit.

Are head lice a sign of bad hygiene?

No. If your child has head lice, don't feel guilty. It's a myth that head lice only affect people who are "unclean." If your child does have lice, remember - it has nothing to do with your family's hygiene habits.

How are head lice spread?

Head lice spread easily among children who spend time together in one place. This is why head lice are very common in young children and their families - daycare centres and schools provide the close contact required for lice to spread. Lice cannot be spread from pets or animals.

One study in the United Kingdom found nearly 40% of children could get head lice in a given year. If similar rates were applied to Canada, 1.5 million Canadian kids could be scratching their way out of school this year!

You can get head lice by coming into contact with lice or nits. Lice can be spread easily by direct contact or less frequently by indirect contact with someone who has head lice:

* Direct contact is when heads touch, such as during sports, play, or a hug.
* Indirect contact can occur by sharing items that have had recent contact with the head of someone with lice. This includes items such as:
* hats
* scarves
* headphones
* helmets
* combs and hairbrushes
* hair ribbons
* towels
* pillows

How can you prevent and control the spread of lice?

Preventing the spread of lice is difficult, especially in childcare and school settings. Lice can spread easily because there is so much close contact among children and with their belongings.

You can talk to your child about avoiding direct head-to-head contact and not sharing headwear. However, eliminating all of the types of contact that can spread lice is just not reasonable - especially not with young children. Controlling its spread is a more realistic goal.

Controlling head lice requires the cooperation of parents, teachers, and health workers. Early detection of head lice through regular inspection of children's scalps can help control the spread to other people. This can help to reduce the impact of head lice.

If you do find lice or nits on your child's head, tell all close contacts to check for lice and tell the child's teacher or daycare worker. Unfortunately, your child can get head lice more than once - having lice once does not mean you are protected from getting them in the future.

Talking to your kids about lice

If your child has lice, or if there is an outbreak of lice at your child's school or daycare, talk to your child about what is going on. Share some of the information that you have gathered and consider the following points:

* Try to emphasize the fact that having lice does not mean that a person is unclean.
* Let your child know that head lice is very common and is easily treated.
* Remember to be sensitive to your children's feelings, and to remember that too much "bug" talk can make some kids squeamish.

How can I treat head lice?

If your child has head lice, you're probably wondering how to get rid of them.

Follow these steps to treat head lice and reduce the risk that they will spread:

1. Check all family members for live lice.

2. Learn more about head lice treatments. Then, visit your local pharmacy and ask your pharmacist to help you choose a treatment. Use the treatment as directed. Treat all family members with live lice preferably at the same time on the same day.

3. Treat personal items that have come in contact with the head of an infested person, such as hats, pillowcases, stuffed toys, brushes, or combs, by washing in hot water (at least 66°C) and drying in a hot dryer for 15 minutes. Store non-washable items in an airtight plastic bag for 2 weeks to kill lice and nits. Dry-cleaning clothes and other non-washable items is also an option. Soak brushes and combs in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Don't use a fumigant (sprayed substance used to kill pests or prevent infestation) to "disinfect" your house. These products can be toxic, and don't help control head lice. Instead, vacuum items such as rugs, furniture, children car seats, car upholstery, and any other surface where someone may have rested their head.

4. To reduce the risk of spreading or catching head lice in the future, tie back long hair; teach children to avoid head-to-head contact; keep their personal items, such as hats, scarves, and baseball caps in their coat sleeves; and check your child's head regularly for lice.

Head lice treatments and how to use them

Head lice can be treated with over-the-counter products from your local pharmacy. The products are applied topically to the hair.

Your pharmacist can help you learn more about the risks and benefits of each treatment and choose a product that's right for you and your family.

Treatment options include:

* products containing no traditional insecticides
* products containing traditional insecticides
* other treatments

Products containing no traditional insecticides

Products available in Canada that contain no traditional insecticides include:

* isopropyl myristate 50% (Resultz™)

Isopropyl myristate 50% (Resultz™) is a colourless, odourless, easy-to-use head lice treatment. It is clinically proven to be effective for treating head lice. Isopropyl myristate, the active ingredient of Resultz™, is widely used in skincare and cosmetic products, at lower concentrations, in products such as lipstick, bath oil, and moisturizers.

How does it work?
This product works by dissolving the wax that covers the louse's outer skeleton. This causes the louse to become dehydrated and die.

Who can use it?
Isopropyl myristate 50% (Resultz™) can be used by adults and children 4 years of age and older.

How do I use it?
To use this product, apply it to dry hair and massage into the scalp and the hair until they are thoroughly wet with the product, especially on the sides and nape of the neck. People with longer hair will need larger amounts of the product. Leave the product on the hair for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and wash hair if desired. Repeat the treatment one week later. The second treatment helps kills any new lice that may have hatched after the first treatment.

What else do I need to know?

* Only treat those individuals who have lice or live nits.
* If the product gets in the eyes, immediately flush with water.
* Stop using the product and contact your doctor if skin irritation or infection occurs, or if the lice get into the eyebrows or eyelashes.
* This product may stain clothes or upholstery, so protect them with a towel.
* This product is for external use only. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Centre.
* Keep this product out of the reach of children.
* Always read and follow the product label.
* Use a nit comb daily between the first and second treatments to remove the dead nits.
* See your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Products containing traditional insecticides

Products available in Canada that contain traditional insecticides include:

* pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide (R&C Shampoo/Conditioner®, Pronto® Lice Killing Shampoo)
* permethrin (Kwellada-P Creme Rinse®, Nix Creme Rinse®)
* lindane (Hexit®, PMS-Lindane®)

How do they work?
These products contain traditional insecticides that kill the louse by damaging its nervous system.

Who can use them?

* Permethrin (Kwellada-P Crème Rinse®, Nix Crème Rinse®) can be used by adults and children 2 years of age and older.
* Pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide (R&C Shampoo/Conditioner®, Pronto® Lice Killing Shampoo) can be used by adults and children 2 years of age and older.
* Lindane (Hexit®, PMS-Lindane®) can be used by adults and children weighing more than 50 kg.

How do I use them?

* Pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide: Apply the product to dry hair. Apply enough to wet the hair and scalp thoroughly, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Leave it on for 10 minutes. Then add a small amount of water and work it into a lather. Rinse thoroughly with water.

* Permethrin: Shampoo the hair with conditioner-free shampoo, then rinse it and towel dry thoroughly. Do not use a conditioner. Next, shake the creme rinse well and apply it to the scalp and hair. Apply enough to wet the hair and scalp thoroughly with creme rinse, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse with water and towel dry the hair.

* Lindane: Wash the hair thoroughly using your regular shampoo, then rinse and dry it completely. Wait one hour. Put on gloves made of nitrile, vinyl, or latex with neoprene before using lindane shampoo. After shaking the bottle well, apply the lindane shampoo to the hair and scalp. Massage the shampoo into the hair and scalp for 4 minutes. Add a small amount of warm water and work it into a lather, then rinse the hair immediately with warm water until all the lather is gone. Towel dry hair.

What else do I need to know?

* Before you start treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor if the person being treated:
* is under 2 years of age
* is pregnant or breast-feeding
* suffers from a seizure disorder
* has a skin infection on the scalp

* Only treat individuals who have lice or live nits.

* Pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide and permethrin should not be used by people allergic to chrysanthemums.

* Be cautious when using lindane on people with severe skin rashes, abrasions, or large amounts of broken skin, as this could increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body. Infants, children, people who weigh less than 50 kg (110 pounds), and people with skin conditions, head injuries, or seizures could be at risk of serious nerve damage if they use lindane. Talk to your pharmacist for more information.

* Repeat the treatment 7 to 10 days later. The second treatment helps kills any lice that may have hatched after the first treatment.

* To avoid unnecessary exposure to the traditional insecticides, rinse products well over the sink, rather than in a bath or shower, to minimize the traditional insecticide products coming into contact with other parts of the body. Wear rubber gloves while applying the product, don't leave the product on longer than recommended, and don't use it just after a hot bath or shower (this increases the risk that the traditional insecticides will be absorbed through the skin).

* Always read and follow the product label.

* After each treatment, remove dead lice and nits using a nit comb. Also, comb through hair daily in between treatments using a nit comb to check for live lice. Ask your pharmacist to show you how.

* Do not use these products on eyelashes or eyebrows. If eyelashes or eyebrows are affected, check with your doctor.

* People with longer hair may need more product.

* These products may cause skin irritation. One product, lindane, may cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, or seizures. If any of these side effects occur, stop using the product and contact your doctor.

* Don't let the medication come in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin. If contact occurs, flush with plenty of water.

* These products are for external use only. If they are swallowed, contact your doctor or the Poison Control Centre immediately.

* If the treatment didn't work (in other words, if you find live lice after you've completed the treatment course), check with your pharmacist to find out what to do next, and whether trying a different treatment may be helpful.
* Talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Other treatments

According to recent recommendations from the Canadian Pediatric Society, there is little evidence to support the use of "natural" treatments such as tea tree oil and aromatherapy, or "home remedies" such as mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, olive oil, and tub margarine, to treat head lice.

There is also little evidence to support the use of wet combing, which involves combing wet hair with a fine-tooth comb to remove lice and nits, as a treatment for head lice.

Resistance

When choosing a treatment, it's also important to think about resistance. Resistance means that the lice have changed their genetic makeup and can now survive a treatment that used to be effective. In some areas, resistance has been reported. Check with your pharmacist to learn more about whether head lice are resistant to any treatments in your area.

My Head Lice Action Plan

Wondering what to do if your child has head lice? Follow this 3-step action plan!

Step 1: Ask

Head lice can be treated with over-the-counter medications.

Your pharmacist can help you choose the treatment that's right for your family.

You'll need to treat all family members who have live lice. Visit your local pharmacy and ask your pharmacist:

1. Can you tell me what treatments are available for head lice and how they work?
2. Can you tell me what side effects, if any, I should be aware of for each of the products available for head lice?
3. Can you tell me what special precautions, if any, I should be aware of for each of the products available for head lice?
4. Do any of these products have an unpleasant odour?
5. If I still see live lice after the treatment has been completed, what should I do?

Step 2: Choose

Choose a treatment with the help of your pharmacist. Available treatments include:

Treatments not containing traditional insecticides

* isopropyl myristate 50% (Resultz™)

Treatments containing traditional insecticides

* pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide (R&C Shampoo/Conditioner®, Pronto® Lice Killing Shampoo)
* permethrin (Kwellada-P Creme Rinse®, Nix Creme Rinse®)
* lindane (Hexit®, PMS-Lindane®)

Step 3: Treat

Follow this checklist to get rid of the infestation and reduce the risk that it will spread. This checklist will help you keep track of each item as you complete them:

* Use the medication as directed to treat all family members with live lice - preferably at the same time on the same day.
* Use a nit comb to comb through the hair each day in between treatments.
* Repeat the treatment one week later.
* Clean personal items that come in contact with the head of an infested person, such as hats, pillowcases, stuffed toys, brushes, or combs. Wash in hot water (at least 66°C) and dry in a hot dryer for 15 minutes. Store non-washable items in an airtight plastic bag for 2 weeks to kill lice and nits, or dry-clean them. Soak brushes and combs in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
* Don't use a fumigant (a sprayed substance used to kill pests or prevent infestation) to "disinfect" your house. These products can be toxic, and do not help control head lice. Instead, vacuum items such as rugs, furniture, child car seats, car upholstery, or any other surface where someone may have rested their head.
* To reduce the risk of spreading or catching head lice in the future, tie back long hair; teach children to avoid head-to-head contact; keep their personal items, such as hats, scarves, and baseball caps in their coat sleeves; and check your child's head regularly for lice.

Head lice treatments

If head lice have made an appearance in your family, you'll be keen to know how to get rid of these unwelcome visitors. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options for head lice.

You can treat head lice (singular louse) with an over-the-counter topical treatment specifically designed to treat head lice. (Topical treatments are treatments that are applied directly to the surface that is affected, rather than taken like a pill.) These products are available at your pharmacy. You can ask your pharmacist to help you choose a product, tell you how to use your selected product, and answer any questions you may have.

In Canada, there are 2 types of topical treatments: those that contain traditional insecticides, and an innovative type of treatment that does not contain traditional insecticides.
Treatments containing traditional insecticides

These products contain traditional insecticides that kill lice by damaging their nervous systems.

Products containing traditional insecticides include:

* pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide (found in R+C® shampoo/conditioner and Pronto® Lice Killing Shampoo)
* permethrin (Nix® or Kwellada-P®)
* lindane (Hexit® or PMS-Lindane shampoo)

Pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide have been approved for children 2 years of age and older. Permethrin can be used for children 2 years of age and older. Caution must be exercised when using lindane to treat infants, young children, and anyone weighing under 50 kg, because they may be at risk of serious neurotoxicity. If you have any questions about these treatments, talk to your pharmacist.

When choosing a treatment, it's also important to think about resistance. Resistance means that the lice have changed their genetic makeup and can now survive a treatment that used to be effective. In some areas, resistance has been reported. Check with your pharmacist to learn more about whether head lice are resistant to any treatments in your area.
Treatments containing no traditional insecticides

An innovative type of treatment that contains no traditional insecticides is available in Canada. It's called isopropyl myristate 50% (Resultz™). This treatment works by dissolving the wax that covers the louse's outer skeleton, which dehydrates and kills the parasite. Isopropyl myristate 50% is clinically proven to be effective for treating head lice.

Isopropyl myristate, the active ingredient of Resultz™, is widely used in lower concentrations in skincare and cosmetic products such as lipstick, bath oil, and moisturizers. As a head lice treatment, isopropyl myristate 50% is colourless and odourless. It can be used for people aged 4 years and older.

Here's how to use it:

1. Use towels to protect the eyes from the treatment and stop clothes from getting wet.
2. Apply the product to dry hair and massage it into the hair until the scalp and hair are thoroughly wet with the product, especially at the sides and back of the neck.
3. Use larger amounts of the product for longer hair.
4. Leave it on the hair for 10 minutes.
5. Rinse the hair with warm water.
6. Wash the hair if desired.
7. Repeat the treatment one week later.

Use a nit comb daily between the first and second treatments to remove the dead nits.

The second treatment helps kill any new lice that may have hatched after the first treatment. After the first treatment, check the entire family daily for lice until the second treatment. After that, check daily for 2 weeks.

For more information on isopropyl myristate 50%, you can visit www.beatheadlice.ca.

When choosing a treatment, it's also important to think about resistance. Resistance means that the lice have changed their genetic makeup and can now survive a treatment that used to be effective. In some areas, resistance has been reported. Check with your pharmacist to learn more about whether head lice are resistant to any treatments in your area.

Home remedies for head lice

It would be nice if the solution to head lice lay right in your pantry. But do home remedies for head lice really get rid of the creepy crawlies, once and for all?

Here's a look at some of the home remedies used for head lice and their effectiveness.

* The idea behind using mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, food-grade oil, or margarine is that these thick and heavy substances cover the louse's air holes, effectively smothering them. Although this technique may make it hard for lice to breathe, it likely won't kill them.

* There isn't any evidence that tea tree oil and aromatherapy are effective treatments for head lice.

* Never use gasoline or kerosene. These products are flammable and toxic and can be extremely dangerous.

The bottom line? Save the mayo for your sandwich and focus on the methods that have evidence to back up their effectiveness.

A technique called wet combing has been suggested as a treatment to remove live head lice. In wet combing, you use a lice comb to remove the lice. The wet combing process is repeated every 3 to 4 days for a 2-week period. Any lice that hatch from nits after the first session are removed at the second, third, and fourth sessions, so it is important to do all 4 sessions. Some recommend daily combing, with each session often lasting several hours. This may make the wet combing option simply too long and arduous to consider for some families.

Although wet combing is cheap and safe, it is time-consuming and there is little evidence to support its use as primary treatment for lice. As well, it may be impossible to effectively comb through tight curls. Some people suggest using vinegar along with wet combing; however, there are no studies showing any benefit to this treatment.

Your pharmacist is also a great source of information on treatment options for head lice. If you had been hoping that home remedies would work because you feel more confident in their safety, speak to your pharmacist. They can talk you through the safety of head lice treatments, including treatment options that contain traditional insecticides and those that don't. Your pharmacist can help you choose a product that you feel comfortable using.

Head lice treatment precautions

With any type of head lice treatment, you need to take a few precautions to ensure that you are using it safely. Always be sure to follow the package directions carefully, and ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

For all treatments, make sure that the product doesn't get into the eyes. You can do this by protecting the eyes with a towel or washcloth while the product is being applied, and having your child close their eyes while rinsing. If any product does get in your child's eyes, flush them immediately with water.

Other safety tips to keep in mind for all topical head lice treatments:

* Keep the product out of the reach of children.
* These products are for external use only - if they are swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Centre.
* In the case of infection or skin irritation, stop using the product and consult a physician.
* If eyelashes or eyebrows are affected, check with your physician.

For all head lice treatment options, be sure to read the instructions provided with the product carefully. Before starting treatment, be familiar with the directions and follow all precautions listed, such as how to minimize unwanted exposure to the product.

To minimize exposure:

* Apply the product to the hair and scalp only.
* Don't apply the product to the hair after a hot bath or shower.
* Avoid applying the treatment in the shower or bath, where other parts of the body could come into contact with the treatment while applying it and rinsing it. Instead, apply the product and rinse it out over the sink.
* Don't leave the product in the hair longer than recommended.
* Rinse hair well after the treatment.
* Wear rubber gloves while applying and rinsing the product to avoid unnecessary contact with the product.

Additional safety precautions for treatments containing traditional insecticides include the following:

* Don't let the medication come in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin. If contact occurs, flush with plenty of water.
* Do not use these products on eyelashes or eyebrows.

Talk to your pharmacist or health care professional to choose the treatment that is right for your family. And be sure to talk to your pharmacist about safety precautions you should take when using the treatment.

Head lice: ask a pediatrician

Dr. Mickey Lester is a consulting pediatrician for the Hospital for Sick Children and assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Toronto. He also has a thriving private pediatric practice in Mississauga. Dr. Lester offers his insights for parents on "everything you wish you didn't have to know about head lice."

How do head lice spread? Can they jump from one person to another?

Head lice are wingless. They cannot fly or jump, but only crawl. They are spread through close head-to-head contact or by coming in contact with objects where lice have been deposited, such as scarves, head bands, hats, brushes, and combs.

How can I tell if my child has head lice?

The diagnosis of an "active" lice infestation can only be made by identifying a living louse in the hair. Lice are reddish brown in colour and are about the size of a sesame seed. They lay eggs called nits. Nits are "glued" to a hair shaft. The presence of nits alone does not indicate an active infestation. Nits are often mistaken for dandruff or sand, but unlike these materials, they stick firmly to the hair shaft and are difficult to remove.

To check for lice, divide the hair into sections and look carefully, one section at a time. Magnifying glasses may help. The "head hunt" should be done in a well-lit room. Pay close attention to the areas behind the ears and the nape of the neck.

How are head lice treated?

There are commercial products available that have been designed to kill lice. They can be purchased over the counter. A product called Resultz™ (isopropyl myristate 50%) has been shown to be effective in treating head lice at any stage in their development once hatched. It is free of traditional insecticides, odourless, and colourless, and each application takes just 10 minutes. A second application is recommended one week later. Follow the usage guidelines exactly as directed. Side effects are extremely uncommon and usually consist of a mild itchy rash on the scalp, which usually disappears within a day or so.

Should all family members be treated?

Treat all family members who have live lice. Family members with nits only need not be treated. Each member of the family should be checked on a daily basis for 10 to 14 days, and they should be treated only if a live louse is found.

Are there any home remedies for head lice?

Home remedies, such as "natural" and alternative products, include mineral oil, coconut oil shampoo, tea tree oil, and petroleum jelly, to name a few. These products have been tried but have never proven to be as effective as the over-the-counter treatments specifically designed to kill lice.

Source:
Family & Child Health
MedBroadcast.com
http://www.medbroadcast.com

mrsmuffin · Site Manager

itchy itchy scratchy scratychy , i hate even reading about lice but they are a part of life especially when your kids are real small and don't remember that they aren't suppose to share hats etc. When K was in kindergarden there was usually a note come home at least once a week saying that there was an incident of lice in the classroom. One mom cut her DD's gorgeous long blonde locks off to get rid of them. I felt so bad for that girl. Now that K's older a note only comes home once in awhile~thank goodness!!!!