By Don Pittwood
The mere mention of head lice is enough to make most of us think our scalp is itching. Unfortunately, however, the problem is often not imaginary, especially for school children. After World War II, the use of DDT as a method of louse control greatly reduced the problem of louse infestation. But, since DDT use has been discontinued, the problem is with us once again in full force.
Louse infestation occurs around the globe. Anyone can get head lice, from those who live in poverty to the very rich. However, the problem is confined to children most of the time.
A head louse is a small critter, about the size of a sesame seed, with six legs.
Female lice have a life span of about a month or slightly more and may lay several eggs a day for a total of 50 to 100 eggs during their life time.
The eggs are called "nits," and the female secretes a glue-like substance that fastens the eggs to hair shafts so effectively that they are usually not removed by normal combing or brushing, although there is a special fine tooth comb you can buy at the drug store which is designed specifically for removal of nits.
The nits or eggs hatch and become adult lice in about seven days. They must have meals of blood and the warmth of a human body or they will die in about 24 hours. Thus, it is unlikely that lice can survive in carpets, school bus seats, etc. unless they can get to a human head within 24 hours.
One reason that children are more likely to become infested with head lice than adults is that children are more likely to be in close contact with each other during their play or by sharing combs, scarves, hats or other items.
You can examine your child's head closely and tell if he or she has become infested with lice. The nits are about the size of a pin head and are white. The adult lice are a tan color.
There are a truck load of products on the market for treatment of head lice. However, most of them you would not want to put on your child's head.
Probably a safer choice is to use a head louse natural treatment that you know is safe.
Information on one such treatment can be found on my blog. Please see the resource box at the bottom of this article for the blog URL.
The subject of head lice is not a pleasant one, but the little beasts are not likely to become extinct very soon. So, the best course of action is to learn all you can about prevention and treatment, especially if you have school age children.
If you must deal with the problem of head lice, please visit my blog to learn about Vickie's Home Remedy Head Lice Treatment, an all natural recipe you can make that is safe and guaranteed to work: http://woodyp5.blogspot.com/ While you are there, don't miss your special bonus for visiting. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Pittwood |  |
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