What are Head Lice?
These images are magnified thousands of times the actual size is 2-3 mm - THE ACTUAL SIZE IS EQUAL TO A PIN HEAD OR A GRAIN OF SALT
Head lice are tiny parasites that live only on the human scalp. You won't find them on any household pets.
Head lice are grayish white in colour, about 2-3 mm in size, and multiply very rapidly.
Children are more likely to pick up head lice and therefore infestations occur most commonly in classrooms and day-care centre's or summer camp.
Don't Be alarmed
If your child has head lice, there is no cause for alarm or embarrassment - head lice are a nuisance, but they are not known to transmit disease, nor do they indicate poor hygiene.
How Lice Spread
Lice cannot jump or fly. They are usually transmitted during direct personal contact. Head lice may also be picked up when sharing combs, hats, scarves, pillows, towels, stuffed toys, or just about any other article that has come into contact with an infested person.
What to look for
In most cases, the first sign of an infestation is constant itching of the scalp, particularly around the ears and the back of the head. If an infestation has been reported, look for lice even if there is no obvious itch; some children don't experience any itching.
Head lice are difficult to see because they are very small and because they avoid light. Their eggs (nits), which are small, almost white and oval in shape, may be easier to spot very close to the scalp.
Nits may look like scalp flakes, but they are firmly fastened to hair shafts and difficult to remove by hand. Inspect several hairs in different areas along the hairline and around the ears.
Check Family Members
If your child has head lice, inspect the hair of family members too. You should also inform the parents of your child's friends as well as teachers, the school's nurse or daycare administrator
Wash Clothes and Clean House
To reduce the risk of spreading lice to others, machine-wash all exposed clothing, as well as bed linens and towels in hot water, then dry them for at least 20 minutes on the hot cycle.
Items that are not machine-washable should be dry-cleaned or stored in tightly sealed plastic bags for about 14 days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Also, thoroughly vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, pillows and mattresses.
Treat Lice and Nits
Treatment for head lice is simple and effective. Medications designed to treat head lice are available from your pharmacy without a prescription. It is important to choose a product capable of killing both the lice and their nits.
Before using any medication, consult your doctor, pharmacist or school nurse.
