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Itchy And Scratchy: Everything You Need To Know About Nits

14/12/2016

Ah, the joys of parenthood, the laughs, the smiles watching your child take their first step and let’s not forget removing tiny bugs out of their hair one, by one.

Even though adults can catch nits, or head lice, they’re most commonly found on children, usually between the ages of four and eleven simply because of time spent together at school, playing round each other's houses and leaning their heads together when watching TV.

They aren’t harmful in any way, just easily spread and can make your head feel unbearably itchy if you have them. However, it’s not all doom and gloom as they’re easily treatable and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Flickr Photo Credit: Torrey Willey

What Are Head Lice?

Head lice are tiny insects that live in the hair; the term nit comes from the white egg cases that are left behind when a head louse hatches. Infant head lice are no bigger than pinheads, while fully grown adults are easier to spot as they are brown/gray and are around the size of a small seed.

There are some telltale signs that someone has head lice. You’ll see them scratching their head a lot, especially small children, there will be visible white specks in the hair, a rash may appear at the nape of the neck or the hairline, and if you look in the hair, you’ll see the adults moving around.

How Do I Treat Them?

Treating head lice is pretty simple from home remedies to commercially available lotions and shampoos. The main options are sprays that directed onto the hair will kill the head lice, however, you’ll need to comb them out, and these sprays may not be suitable for very young children. The other option is to use a lotion and a special nit comb, designed with extra delicate prongs, to comb all the lice out of the hair but it is a lengthy process and, just in case you’ve missed one, needs to be repeated several times. If you aren’t sure about treatment, or have a question or case you need confirming why not visit liceclinicsgulfcoast.com? Specially trained lice experts will answer queries, confirm cases with a quick assessment and explain treatment options.

Does It Mean We’re Dirty?

Definitely not! Head lice are in fact more attracted to clean, healthy hair that’s washed regularly as they find it easier to lay the eggs. Nor does it matter if your hair is long, short, curly or straight as long as there’s head to head contact they’ll be happy. Please don’t be angry or embarrassed if your child has head lice, even though it can be awkward for grown-ups, they're very common and children pick them up from their classmates all the time.

If you do suspect a case of head lice, take a fine tooth comb and comb slowly through the hair if they are there you’ll soon find them! Once a case has been confirmed each family member will need to be treated, more than once, and items such as soft toys, bedding and pajamas washed on a high heat to ensure that no stray nits survive.