TREATING THE PERSON
The main motto of treatment for head lice is elimination of lice from the head mechanically or killing them with chemicals or pediculocides.
- Re-treating the hair every week because even a single small nit becomes the mother of millions of other lice.
- Treatment of family members is also a must to prevent reoccurrence in treatment for head lice.
- Nitpicking was done by most of the grandmothers in olden times. It is the act of manually removing nits from the host's hair. It is very good but tedious process in treatment for head lice and very painful to the child.
- Shaving the head is one of the most effective procedures in treatment for head lice.
Few non-medicated techniques can be applied to control lice, like:
- Tea tree oil: This oil is quite effective in getting rid of lice due to its anti-microbial properties. However, it does not have any residual action (protection against recurrence) and many people may be allergic to it.
- Blow drying the hair help as it dehydrates the lice due to heat and injure them. But, it has its downside too, because hair tends to become very dry and brittle.
- Commercial preparations in the form of shampoos and oils are available in the market to kill lice. But again, they do not have any residual effect or any lasting effect on nits.
Along with treating the affected person, treatment for head lice also includes certain modifications to be made in the surroundings of the person.
TREATMENT OF SURROUNDINGS
- Machine wash all the clothes, bed covers, pillows, etc. of the affected person with hot water and pediculocides for at least 20 minutes.
- Dry-cleaning of material that cannot be conventionally washed, like bands, coats, hats, etc.
- Cleansing of combs, brushes and furniture that have been used by the affected person.
