It’s important to remember that lice can neither jump nor fly, but instead spread by climbing across hairs.
A common misconception is that lice can be spread through brushes and hats. Care Guide, however, state that there’s a low risk of this happening, as lice that have fallen out of hair are considerably weakened.
How to detect lice
Lice, though capable of causing itching and discomfort, are not deadly. That said, they can become a big problem fairly quickly. According to Care Guide, symptoms – including an itching scalp – will often appear 4-6 weeks after you’ve been infected.
To spot lice, simply examine one’s scalp. Lice are one to three millimeters in length, long and translucent, and usually vary in color between gray, brown, black and red. The best method of confirming lice is to use a lice comb and carefully comb the hair from back to front. Lice should drop off into the sink.
Detecting lice eggs
In actual fact, it can be easier to detect lice eggs than the lice themselves. Eggs are to be found near the scalp and can be dark – if lice are still inside them – or lightly colored if the eggs are hatched. The eggs are also a millimeter in length.
Care Guide says to keep in mind that you should not begin treatment if you find empty eggs, only if there is a living lice found in your hair. The eggs disappear themselves as your hair grows out, or you can alternatively comb them out.
So, how do you treat lice? Below, I’ve listed a method that’s cheap, free of chemicals and ensures children don’t have to suffer for long.
Treatment against lice
Sure, lice shampoo can help, but it doesn’t guarantee to get rid of lice altogether. You often need to treat the whole family to two rounds, which can be expensive and time-consuming – the hair needs to be thoroughly combed to get rid of every egg.
I’ve found an alternative method, however, one coming from Healthy Life Center. It’s effective, and negates the need to expose yourself or your children to strong chemicals.
What you’ll need:
- A lice comb
- Mouthwash
- White vinegar
- Shower cap or plastic bag
- A towel
What to do:
1. The first thing to do is make use of the mouthwash, since lice dislike the strong smell. Wet the hair with this, before covering it with a shower cap or plastic bag. Let this stand for an hour.
