| From an evolutionary standpoint, probably no other | | | | A recent study in the UK suggests that combing wet |
| parasitic creature is more superbly suited to reside on | | | | hair with a special "bug busting" comb often can be |
| the human body, specifically in hair on the head and | | | | more effective than insecticides. Hair conditioner or |
| nape of the neck, than the head louse. This tiny six | | | | olive oil is applied to wet hair which is then combed |
| legged nuisance sports two outsized front legs | | | | repeatedly, every strand from scalp to end with a fine |
| adapted to grasp the hair shaft, thus anchoring itself to | | | | toothed comb. Use a comb with very fine teeth: the |
| penetrate skin and suck blood. | | | | space between the teeth of the comb should be no |
| From a physical standpoint, head lice in and of | | | | more than 0.3 mm (0.01 inch). The comb should be |
| themselves are harmless beyond the intense itching | | | | thoroughly rinsed, the hair then shampooed and the |
| and scalp rash they produce. Often more harm comes | | | | process repeated over the next two or three days |
| from social ramifications - humiliation, teasing, ostracism | | | | until no lice or nits are found. |
| and no-nits policies in some schools. | | | | Given current styles, another choice is carefully to |
| In recent years, the most frustrating aspect of | | | | shave a boy's head. Once the scalp is completely |
| treatment is the head louse's growing resistance to | | | | smooth, a good scrubbing is in order. Head shaving has |
| common insecticides such as malathion, permethrin and | | | | one distinct advantage. Head lice are completely |
| pyrithrins. Ever adaptable, just as with bacteria and | | | | eradicated in one day. Moreover, risk of further egg |
| antibiotics, they are evolving to survive application of | | | | laying is greatly reduced. Unfortunately, head lice are |
| insecticides. | | | | more common among girls because of their greater |
| Head lice are passed from human to human only | | | | likelihood of close physical contact with one another. |
| through contact or through sharing of intimate objects, | | | | Another interesting recent development, although not |
| bedding or apparel. Obviously the best defense is | | | | generally in use, is a sort of steam cleaning device, a |
| prevention requiring frequent washing of bedding and | | | | little like a cross between a hair dryer and a vacuum |
| clothing in hot water during the school year. Sharing of | | | | cleaner. |
| combs, hats and clothing should be avoided. | | | | As indicated, there are no lasting problems connected |
| Once head lice appear, however, the immediate task | | | | with head lice once they are gone. They do not carry |
| should be to rid the child or person of lice and nits | | | | diseases. The important thing is to check all family |
| (head louse eggs) in order to protect the rest of the | | | | members for nits to be certain they have been |
| family and household from further infestation. This isn't | | | | completely purged. Naturally, if head lice are discovered |
| to suggest that shampoos and insecticides should not | | | | on another household member (exhibiting itching and |
| be used, but there is growing evidence that some old | | | | scalp rash) they should be treated immediately. As a |
| tried and true methods are just as effective. Bear in | | | | first line of defense, nit removal is the name of the |
| mind, as well, that toxins in some chemical treatments | | | | game. |
| can be harmful. | | | | |