Nits And Various Methods Of Removal

Lice have caused many problems for humans since the dawn of time. The lice feed on the skin and blood on any location on the body that has hair including the scalp. They feed in these areas and attach their eggs, called nits onto strands of hair. Removing these eggs is not an easy process and requires the use of a special lice treatment. However, there are many different choices for lice treatment.

The first step to take if someone has lice is to eliminate the external sources of the lice. Anything that comes into contact with the affected area, like sheets, combs, and pillow cases, should be removed. If the items are washable, they should be washed. If not, they should be placed in an air-tight container for at least two weeks. Then, you can begin treating the actual head.

The easiest way of treating head lice is to shave the head of the infected person. A trim will not work: the head must be completely shaved. Obviously, this is easier and less burdensome when the infected hair is not on the head. However, since many people are uncomfortable shaving their head, other treatments are recommended.

Other less invasive treatment also exists. A lice comb can be used to pick out the nits, but this treatment on its own is not sufficient. Those concerned for the environment prefer not to utilize pesticides that are available for lice treatment, as they are concerned about the potential affects of chemicals on the environment. Unfortunately natural solutions are generally unable to solve the problem of lice, and they may also be unregulated by the government with greater potential for harmful side effects.

The doctor preferred treatment would be the application of a chemical solution of 1% permethrin or pyrethrin. These pesticides kill lice by impairing their ability to breathe. The solution is applied for approximately two weeks. It is important to supplement the treatment with daily removal of any eggs with a lice comb. A doctor should be consulted before you begin treatment with any pesticide. The pesticides should be applied on in the scalp area only to dry hair.

Less common methods of treating head lice may also work. By weakening the lice’s hold and making the nits more visible, ordinary hair conditioner may be an effective treatment when combed through the hair, and allowed to set for four hours or more. Electric combs advertised for lice treatment are also available. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that people with shorter hairstyles are at reduced risk of contracting lice, and that lice infested in shorter hair is easier to treat. These alternative methods, as yet unproven, require more research.

Since there are so many treatment options available it best to seek the advice of a doctor. A doctor will help evaluate the level of treatment required. A doctor will also only suggest what he or she believes is healthy.

Nits are lice eggs and are glued to the human hair by the saliva secreted by lice. These can be removed only by special lice treatment for which options exist. Firstly, remove washable sources such as pillow cases/sheets/combs and wash items. Store other items in an airtight container for 2 weeks. Secondly, shave off the hair in the affected area. Thirdly, use a lice comb to pick out the eggs and apply chemicals such as permethrin/pyrethrin or natural solutions as prescribed by the physician. Another option for treating head lice is to use hair conditioner or use electric combs. Always consult a doctor for right treatment.

- norman horowitz