Precautionary Head Lice Treatments for Summer Fun
July 22nd, 2009. Published under Family. No Comments.
School is finally out, and the kids are ready to enjoy all of the spoils of an awesome summer. They’re looking forward to summer camp, classes at the community center, and other exciting events. The last thing you want to worry about is a head lice outbreak.
Getting that call is a nightmare for a parent. There has been a lice outbreak at the place where your child has been spending time. You know what’s coming next; the little combs, the chemicals, the powders.
Fortunately for parents and children, there are multiple solutions for ending lice infestations without chemicals. Preventing further outbreaks from occurring is becoming just as simple as most treatment options. In addition to traditional treatments, there are now many natural lice treatment options.
What Are Head Lice?
For many people, the first question is: what exactly are head lice? Head lice are parasites that feed on blood while living on the scalp. They reproduce and spread very easily, which is why it’s important to control an infestation in its earliest stages whenever possible.
Adult lice lay between 3 and 10 eggs, called nits, per day. Nits take between 7 and 10 days to hatch. Nits usually appear white in color and are located on the shaft of the hair just next to the scalp. A special comb must be used to remove them because they are actually attached to the hair with a glue-like substance.
Sharing brushes, combs, and hats is one way that head lice spreads. They can also move from person to person directly, or through another source such as an article of clothing, bedding, or furniture. Adult lice can live for about 24 hours without feeding. Nits can survive for longer, but must be on the scalp to hatch.
Over-the-Counter Head Lice Treatment
Many over-the-counter medications are available to treat head lice. Chemical treatments like Rid and Nix are available for general purchase, and stronger medications are available with a prescription. Medications like these are widely available and fairly inexpensive. They are a one-time treatment and can prevent re-infestation for up to 14 days.
The downside to using these types of medication is that lice have adapted and developed resistance to the effective ingredients these medications use. These medications are used only to kill adult lice. Nits must still be physically combed and pulled from the hair. Some natural head lice treatment options implement oils that make nit removal much easier.
For a longer lasting or multiple use treatment, other options exist like Lice-B-Gone multi-enzyme shampoo. Made from natural vegetable extracts, Lice-B-gone removes lice and nits without pesticides or chemicals, and it can be used as often as needed when re-exposure occurs.
Natural Head Lice Treatment
Natural remedies are a good alternative for treating head lice. You can make your own spray at home by mixing ingredients like olive oil, tea tree oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil and a few other essential oils.
If you’d like to save some time, treatment oils, shampoos, conditioners and leave on tonics are available for purchase. Companies offer products made with essential oils for anyone over 5 years old. These can be used for several weeks after the initial treatment to prolong the effects and prevent new outbreaks. You can also purchase head lice prevention kits which include a fabric spray for hats and clothing.
By having a plan in case of a head lice outbreak, you can be prepared and have fun all summer long. Teach each member of your family about head lice prevention techniques and how to use the products you purchase. Whether you choose a traditional treatment or a more natural head lice treatment, you can be educated and ready for anything this summer.
For effective, 100% natural head lice treatment, try Bon Cheveux. Clinically tested and proven effective, these products have been created by a board certified pediatrician, for the Lice Treatment Center. http://www.licetreatmentcenter.net