The Best Treatment for Headlice

Head lice are a fact of life for many families, especially those with young children in daycare or school. While they’re a nuisance, they’re not harmful and can be treated effectively with the right techniques. 

In this blog, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process on how to remove head lice and nits safely, prevent reinfestation, and keep your household lice-free for good. 

What Are Head Lice?

Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They are about the size of a sesame seed and can be tan, gray, or brown in colour. 

These parasites lay eggs, called nits, which attach firmly to the hair shaft near the scalp. Nits are often mistaken for dandruff, but do not flake off easily. Because head lice are highly contagious, they are common among children in daycare or school settings.

What Is The Louse Life Cycle?

The life cycle of a louse consists of three stages: eggs (nits), nymphs, and adult lice. This cycle lasts about three weeks, making prompt treatment essential to break the infestation.

Eggs (Nits)

Lice eggs, or nits, are tiny, oval-shaped, and yellowish or white. They are glued to the base of hair strands and take about 7-10 days to hatch.

Nymphs

Nymphs are baby lice that hatch from the nits. They are smaller than adult lice and mature within 7-10 days, feeding on blood to survive.

Adult Lice

Adult lice are about 2-3 mm long and can lay up to 10 eggs per day. They live for about 30 days on a human scalp but die within 24-48 hours if removed.

Symptoms of Headlice

Common signs of head lice include persistent itching and visible adult lice or head lice eggs in hair.

Itching

Lice bites cause itching due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. The itching may be mild or intense, depending on sensitivity.

Sores On The Scalp, Neck, and Shoulders

Scratching the scalp can cause red sores or irritation, which may lead to secondary infections if left untreated.

Visible Lice

Careful inspection under bright light may reveal live lice crawling through the hair, especially near the scalp.

How To Contract Headlice?

Head lice spread primarily through close contact and sharing personal items. They crawl from person to person, but do not jump or fly.

Sharing Personal Items

Items like combs, hairbrushes, hats, and pillows can transfer lice from one person to another.

Direct Head-to-Head Contact with an Infected Person

Lice crawl from one scalp to another during close interactions, such as hugging or playing.

Poor Hair Care and Hygiene

While lice do not discriminate based on cleanliness, infrequent hair checks may allow an infestation to go unnoticed.

How To Get Rid of Headlice?

Effective head lice treatment involves manual removal, medicated shampoos, and thorough cleaning of personal items, combined with regular checks to catch and remove any remaining lice.

What You Need

• Fine-toothed lice comb

• Lice treatment shampoo or conditioner

• A bright light and magnifying glass

• A towel to cover the shoulders

• Hair clips for sectioning

• A bowl of warm, soapy water

How To Do It

• Use a lice shampoo or conditioner according to the instructions.

• Divide the hair into small sections using hair clips.

• Use a fine-toothed lice comb, starting from the scalp and pulling through to the ends. Wipe the comb after each pass.

• Inspect the entire head and repeat the combing process daily for 7-10 days.

• Clean all items used by the infected person to prevent reinfestation.

Post Treatment Care

To prevent reinfestation, follow these steps to eliminate any remaining lice or nits and keep your home completely lice-free:

Wash Infected Items In Hot Water

Wash clothing, pillowcases, and hats in hot water (at least 60°C) and dry them on high heat.

Clean Hair Care Items

Soak combs, brushes, and hair accessories in hot water for at least 10 minutes.

Seal Hair Care Items In Plastic Bags

Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks to kill lice.

Clean In and Around The Infected Habitat

Vacuum carpets, furniture, and car seats to remove stray hairs with attached nits.

What To Do If Treatment Fails

If lice persist despite treatment, consider professional help. Some lice are resistant to common treatments, so expert advice may be necessary for complete removal.

Consult With a Doctor

A doctor can recommend the best head lice treatment in Australia, including stronger lice treatments or prescription medication, if over-the-counter methods fail.

Consult With a Dermatologist

A dermatologist is a specialist doctor who can assess scalp health and provide the best treatment for head lice in cases where other approaches have been ineffective.

Go To The Pharmacy

Pharmacists can recommend additional lice treatment options, including sprays, mousses, and natural remedies.

Visit The Department of Health Website

For more information and guidelines, visit the Victorian Department of Health website.

Ways To Prevent Getting Headlice

Preventing head lice is easier than treating an infestation. Teaching children good hair care habits can significantly lower the chances of an outbreak.

Tie Hair Back

Keeping long hair in a ponytail or braid reduces the chance of lice transfer.

Weekly Checks

Regularly inspecting hair for lice helps catch infestations early before they spread.

Don’t Share Hats

Avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, and personal grooming items to minimise the risk of transmission.

Headlice and Day Care

At The Green Elephant, we prioritise the health and safety of all children in our care. If we detect head lice, we will notify parents promptly and provide guidance on treatment. Children with active lice infestations must complete treatment before returning to daycare.

For any concerns or further information, please contact us.