Nits: How To Best Remove Them
When one is dealing with a hair lice infection, it is also necessary to deal with nits which are the eggs of adult lice. The eggs are attached to individual strands of hair via a glue like substance secreted by the adult louse and can be very difficult to remove. The eggs are laid by an adult female and will hatch in approximately a week. While a medicated shampoo can be used for lice removal, the eggs will be unaffected. Unless the eggs are removed, the infestation will continue.
There are several ways to remove nits but all are time consuming. The easiest way for removal is with a fine toothed metal comb to go through the individual strands of hair one by one. Wet hair works best with this method. Using a magnifying glass is a good idea as it will make the eggs more visible. It is imperative that all the hair is examined because if nits are left behind they can and will hatch and continue the infestation.
It is vital that all infected clothes and linens be washed following the removal of the louse eggs, as these garments may also contain eggs, or perhaps even adult lice. Bleach should be used, where possible, to be utterly certain that all eggs and adults have been removed. Bleach should also be utilized on any combs or hair accessories that might still be harboring nits. Those items that cannot be placed in bleach or washed should be instead placed in a sealed plastic bag for several weeks, which will kill the pests as well.
It can be quite difficult to remove louse eggs from the hair, and for this reason there are certain methods that are used to make it easier. One of these methods is the soaking of the infested person's hair in white vinegar to remove the eggs. Doing this loosens the glue that the louse uses to hold the eggs to the hair, thus facilitating removal. It may also be beneficial to soak the comb in vinegar prior to combing out the hair. Another way to help loosen the eggs is the application of heat to the hair just prior to egg removal.
It might be best not to try a natural alternative course of action when trying to remove lice. Often times these remedies have not been tested and may go badly. Mayonnaise, a popular alternative, can go rancid and is hard to wash out. Some alternatives can even cause serious, or fatal harm.
There are different sources available to help you with an infestation of lice. Doctors and pharmacists can advise you on products for dealing with the louse eggs. Should your child become infected, the on-site school nurse will also have this information.
To successfully deal with a hair lice infection, one must also remember the nits that are lice eggs. The eggs become attached to individual strands of hair, stuck to each strand with a glue substance. They can be extremely difficult to remove. Lice removal can be expedited by a medicated shampoo, but the shampoo won't remove the eggs. If the eggs aren't removed, they will hatch after about a week and the cycle of infestation will continue. The simplest removal method is to use a fine-toothed metal comb to go through each strand of hair. Wetting the hair is recommended. A magnifying glass can be useful.
Published February 4th, 2008