Nits - How To Deal With Them
The topic of nits will definitely crop up when people discuss about treating head lice. These are small grayish insects that are observed around the scalp of a person. Though head lice are very small, they are easily seen as they move. But a nit is much less conspicuous and is very small. For lice treatment to be effective, it is essential to recognize and deal with them.
Nits are lice eggs that are attached to hairs close to the scalp. They look like rice and can't be removed easily. The nits do not cause any itching, so you'll have to look for them and remove them. If all are not removed, the lice infestation may happen again.
The easiest way to take them off is by utilizing a properly designed fine tooth comb. It has teeth which are so tiny and so closely arranged that they pull off all the nits. When you have washed with a lice shampoo or lotion to destroy the living nits, you must then go over the scalp hair by hair to remove any that still remain. While there are lice treatments that do destroy the eggs, the majority do not. Be certain not to overlook this vital procedure.
It is critical to take away the nits even if you will use mayonnaise or petroleum jelly, items which are harmless. Many lice will be produced once they are not taken or removed while in egg stage. Nits are supposed to be washed out to a drain or to be contained in a tightly closed container because they can survive several days after they have been taken away from the scalp.
Vacuuming and putting everything that can be put in a hot dryer with help to take care of any nits that have fallen on the bedding, clothing, furniture. Anything that cannot be cleaned must be sealed in a plastic bag for at least three weeks to control any nits that may continue to hatch.
Keep checking your child's hair and scalp for a few weeks following initial treatment. This is because nits can live through the various treatments that were taken to kill the lice. Check the entire head carefully to make sure none are left. They can be difficult to see. Even one remaining in the hair can cause a recurrence.
Everyone knows that head lice are small grayish insects seen around the scalp. They are moving and although tiny, are easy to spot. The nits, however, are smaller and far less conspicuous. Recognizing and dealing with them is a critically Important part of successful lice treatment. For several weeks after treating head lice, the head should be closely inspected and any eggs found should be removed and killed. Check the hairline and nape of the neck first, but examine the entire head. Repeat the lotion or shampoo as directed on the label. This is one case where "nitpicking detail" is literally the key to successful cures.
Published February 22nd, 2008
Filed in Health
