Lousy Bugs

It's a subject that I have been meaning to write about since the beginning of the school year. However, it's a subject that makes everyone uneasy. The mere mention of it starts us squirming, scratching, tingling, and itching. The subject if you haven't guessed is Head Lice. See - you're scratching your head!

The mere mention of this pest gives us all the heebie-jeebies. When school is back in session these lovely little pests really begin to proliferate.

Children may pick up the "bugs" from sleep-over camps, friends homes, sharing brushes, pillows, and hats with others already infected. The problem is that head lice are becoming more and more difficult to get rid of. The shampoos are becoming less effective. What is a parent to do?

Many people associate head lice with being dirty and this is one reason why we are so appalled to find out that our son or daughter has this awful condition. It is more common, however, for children with CLEAN hair to get infected. Lice are lovely little bugs that secrete a sticky substance which helps them (and the eggs they lay) hang on to the hair. In oily, dirty hair it is more difficult to hang on. This does not mean, though, that putting oily hair dressings, hair spray, hair dye, etc. in the hair will help keep them away or get rid of them. These little bugs have probably been around since the beginning of mammalian times. They feed on mammal blood. It is the biting and burrowing under the skin that causes the itchiness. Of course, scratching the itch may lead to a secondary infection due to bacteria getting into the tender areas. For a run down on simple facts, check http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/headlice.htm.

If your child has been infected with head lice it is not only necessary to shampoo with a lice killing shampoo but to very carefully comb through the hair, and yes, inspect EVERY hair carefully for nits (the egg laid by the adult louse). This is the culprit of continued infection. The home must be thoroughly cleaned, linens and pillows washed in hot water, furniture and carpets thoroughly vacuumed.

If your child has been infected and is of school age or in a day care, do not return your child to school until all nits have been removed from the hair. If you are concerned about your child becoming infected from school or day care be sure that the school has a "no nit" policy. This is the only way to be sure that further infection can be avoided.

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