Nits - How To Deal With Them
Whenever we talk about treating head lice, sooner or later the subject of nits is sure to come up. Everyone knows that head lice are small grayish insects seen around the scalp. They are moving and although tiny, are easy to spot. A nit, however, is smaller and far less conspicuous. Recognizing and dealing with them is a critically Important part of successful lice treatment.
When going through the hairline, remember to search for all of the eggs or "nits." These small white pellets will be tightly integrated between the hairline and each individual follicle. These bits cannot be eliminated through regular brushing or combing of the hair. They are also completely static, and cause no secondary symptoms until they hatch. Every single one must be killed or removed, as a single nit can start the process again.
The best way to get them out is to buy a specialized comb for nit removal. Unlike normal combs, these combs feature teeth that are so closely spaced that they will scrape out and remove nits. First use a shampoo to kill any live lice in the hair, then use the comb to separate nits from hair. You must literally check each strand for remaining nits. A lice treatment may kill many of the nits along with the lice, but you can never assume that it has killed them all.
Nit removal is the most essential part of getting rid of lice. Even after trying the home remedies of mayo or petroleum jelly the nits or eggs will not be dead. Picking the nits off of hair strand or using a fine tooth comb to search for them is the best way to get rid of them. Once you have removed the nits flush them or put them in a sealed container to dispose of them.
Vacuuming and putting everything that can be put in a hot dryer with help to take care of any nits that have fallen on the bedding, clothing, furniture. Anything that cannot be cleaned must be sealed in a plastic bag for at least three weeks to control any nits that may continue to hatch.
Keep checking your child's hair and scalp for a few weeks following initial treatment. This is because nits can live through the various treatments that were taken to kill the lice. Check the entire head carefully to make sure none are left. They can be difficult to see. Even one remaining in the hair can cause a recurrence.
Everyone knows that head lice are small grayish insects seen around the scalp. They are moving and although tiny, are easy to spot. The nits, however, are smaller and far less conspicuous. Recognizing and dealing with them is a critically Important part of successful lice treatment. For several weeks after treating head lice, the head should be closely inspected and any eggs found should be removed and killed. Check the hairline and nape of the neck first, but examine the entire head. Repeat the lotion or shampoo as directed on the label. This is one case where "nitpicking detail" is literally the key to successful cures.
Published February 22nd, 2008