The Truth About Head Lice

Head lice are a disgusting problem that makes everyone's skin crawl, but the truth is these wingless parasites are relatively harmless. However, a few common untruths are preventing people from taking the proper precautions to stop their spread. Did you know that lice prefer frequently washed hair over a dirty head? And, is it true that Vaseline can take care of an infestation? Read on to discover the truth about head lice, so that you can prevent an infestation in your home.

Lice are more annoying than they are dangerous. Contrary to popular belief, hygiene has nothing to do with head lice and nits. At worst, the bites may cause your scalp to become itchy and persistent scratching may lead to skin irritation or infection.

The belief that lice leap from person to person is also incorrect. Lice are transferred by contact, either directly or through sharing items like a comb, hat, furniture or bedding. To check for lice, examine the scalp for live insects or head lice eggs on the hair shaft. Unless the infestation is heavy, it is more common to see nits than it is to see adult bugs crawling on the scalp.

There are a million rumored remedies for an infestation, but few of them actually work and some are just downright dangerous. Folks who believe in traditional treatment methods may tell you that gasoline or kerosene will kill lice. That may be true, but it will also kill the person you are using the treatment on! NEVER use gasoline or kerosene because the volatile fumes will combust.

Some people believe that Vaseline will kill lice. Yes - petroleum jelly will smother them, but it will not destroy the nits. Also, it is almost impossible to get the greasy goop out of your hair.

The sad truth about head lice treatment is that it can be an exercise in trial and error. The insects sometimes develop resistance to pesticides, so you may have to experiment with a variety of lice treatments. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice on medicated lice products and use them precisely as instructed. If you do not, the product can either be ineffective or will burn your scalp. If you are unable to get rid of head lice and nits after two applications, speak to your doctor about trying another treatment.

Lice and nits will die at temperatures over 130 degrees Fahrenheit, so washing clothes, bedding and towels in hot water or using the dryer can effectively eliminate the problem. Even your hair brushes and combs can be cleaned with hot water. There really is no reason to panic about these pests. At the end of the day, the truth about head lice is that an infestation can be treated quickly and effectively with a trip to the pharmacy.

Head Lice Articles

Facts About Head Lice
There are as many myths as there are facts about head lice. When trying to combat head lice, the key is to arm yourself with the right information and to ignore the misinformation

Symptoms of Head Lice In Children
The most common symptoms of head lice in children is itching, but a light infestation may not cause irritation. Head lice in children is not a dangerous condition, but it must be treated immediately

Hygiene and Head Lice Infestation
Head lice do not spread disease, but you should do everything possible to control a lice infestation so that it does not spread. It could ultimately make it back to you

How to Get Rid of Head Lice
Knowing how to get rid of head lice is a problem faced by many parents of school age children. Head lice are contagious and quite difficult to rid your household of the adults and eggs

Getting Rid Of Head Lice and Nits
There are several very effective over the counter treatments for getting rid of head lice, all of which contain one of three approved insecticides that kill the lice

Most Effective Lice Treatment
Lice treatment is relatively easy and painless process. There are numerous head lice products on the market and it is worth talking with a pharmacist about these various remedies

Headlice Prevention and Treatment Tips
Headlice treatment is a problem that nobody wants to deal with, but because lice are so contagious, quick action in treating an infestation is vital to prevent them spreading to all family members

Head Lice Home Treatments
There are several head lice home treatments for getting rid of head lice in your home including the use of olive oil, mayonnaise and petroleum jelly

How to Choose the Best Head Lice Treatment Products
There are several head lice treatment products available but because some contain chemical pesticides, it is vital that the lice products you choose is not going to do more harm than good

Products to Kill Head Lice
The process to kill head lice is a task that requires patience and perseverance. Getting rid of head lice for good involves killing all the live lice, manually removing nits and cleaning your home

Natural Head Lice Treatment with Essential Oils
Natural head lice treatment with essential oils can be very effective provided that you understand the potency of undilluted oils and the fact that they should never be used on children

Headlice Remedy and Treatment for Children
With the various over-the-counter topical treatments specifically designed to treat head lice and nits, headlice remedy and treatment is relatively easy and painless