The Ultimate Guide to Eliminating Head Lice in Children: Guaranteed Solutions!

Marianne received a phone call that would leave a lasting impression. The preschool her daughter attended informed her that she needed to pick up her child immediately due to a case of head lice.

Being unfamiliar with the issue as she had never encountered lice during her own childhood, and with her older daughter having never experienced it either, Marianne was unsure of what to expect. (For the sake of her family's privacy, Marianne chose not to disclose her last name.)

Upon initial inspection, Anna, a 4-year-old, appeared well, except for sporadic itching. It wasn't until one of the school personnel separated her hair that Marianne observed the bothersome parasites residing in her daughter's hair. Over the following weeks, Marianne attempted various remedies, only to find that the lice persistently returned.

"I was unable to cope with my repulsion toward the entire ordeal," she expressed. "I even considered the drastic measure of setting fire to my house."

Any parent who has dealt with head lice can likely understand this situation. These parasitic insects burrow deep into the roots of hair and feed on the blood of the scalp. Female lice also attach sticky eggs, called nits, to the hair. If these eggs are not removed, they will hatch in eight to nine days, potentially causing another infestation and leading to multiple occurrences of head lice in children throughout the year.

Unfortunately, head lice have become a common issue in raising children today, according to Deborah Altschuler, president of the National Pediculosis Association. Knowing how to identify and safely remove them as early as possible can minimize scalp irritation.

Where do head lice come from?

Lauren Salzberg (R), also known as Lice-Lady, treats a customer for head lice in her studio, a converted garage, in Potomac, Maryland, in November 2015.

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Researchers are uncertain about the exact origin of lice, but they have demonstrated remarkable resilience over millions of years by surviving on human blood. (The oldest evidence of lice is a 10,000-year-old nit found on human hair at an archaeological site in Brazil.)

While head lice primarily affect young children, with an estimated 6 million to 12 million lice outbreaks occurring annually in children aged 3 to 11 in the US, adults are also susceptible to infestations.

Children are highly susceptible to getting lice due to their consistent close interaction, as stated by Dr. Danelle Fisher, a pediatrician and chair of pediatrics at Providence St. Johns Health Center in California. "Kids spend extensive periods of time together in school classrooms and have a tendency to share various items. They willingly exchange toys, food, and even hats."

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The transfer of lice to another person's head happens swiftly. Marianne remembers Anna mentioning a day dedicated to wearing themed hats in her first-grade class, during which she exchanged hats with her friends. "I had a feeling that trouble was on the way, and I was correct since she ended up with lice once again."

Lice have no preference and dont care about age or gender. Its easier to burrow and conceal themselves in hair, so people with short hair are less prone to a lice infestation.

How to spot lice

If your child frequently complains of an itchy scalp, scratches excessively, or develops red bumps on their head due to constant scratching, it is possible that they have lice. One way to confirm this is through a visual examination.

Wear gloves and separate the hair into different sections. Look for tiny insects the size of poppy seeds crawling on the scalp or at the base of the hair. Nits are easier to identify as they will appear as white or yellowish-brown specks near the scalp. If you are unsure whether it is a nit or dandruff, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests attempting to remove it. If it proves challenging to remove, it is likely a nit.

What is the most effective method for eliminating lice?

Multiple options exist for the treatment of lice infestations. One approach involves purchasing specific lice shampoos and conditioners, though the effectiveness of these products cannot always be ensured.

Regrettably, lice are clever creatures, as Fisher explained. They possess the ability to identify the chemicals present in these hair products and make efforts to avoid their impact. "These tiny insects develop resistance to certain chemicals utilized for their extermination, causing immense frustration," she stated.

If you prefer using shampoo, Fisher suggests consulting your child's pediatrician for a prescription shampoo with stronger chemicals compared to the available over-the-counter options.

According to experts, the most effective way to eliminate lice is through the comb-out method. Fisher recommends wetting the hair, dividing it into small sections, and thoroughly combing each section multiple times using a fine-tooth comb.

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"You should opt for a comb with closely spaced bristles as it is most effective for removing nits," she suggested. After each combing session, make sure to use a wet paper towel to wipe off any lice and nits from the comb.

Although washing and combing out the hair can be time-consuming, it is important to repeat the process more than once. "Some individuals believe that it is a one-time task, but that is not always the case," Fisher cautioned. It is possible that you might have overlooked some nits, and if they hatch, you will need to start the process anew. She advised scheduling a follow-up treatment one to two weeks later.

"You'll never be able to remove all of those nits on your first attempt, regardless of your efforts," Marianne stated. According to her, it took a span of two weeks filled with consistent combing and shampooing before she finally eliminated all signs of lice.

Household treatments might not produce desired outcomes.

There are home remedies that can be attempted, although Fisher cautioned that they may not be highly effective in eradicating lice infestation. Popular methods include saturating the hair with mayonnaise or olive oil, which can assist in suffocating lice. However, she emphasized the importance of performing meticulous nit-picking after these treatments, as they are not entirely foolproof.

Another option that parents may consider is cutting their children's hair. Fisher does not necessarily recommend this drastic measure, although she has observed some families resorting to it in order to eradicate lice. However, this method is only effective if you completely shave your head, and it may not be the most desirable option if you have long, beautiful hair. Moreover, Fisher mentioned that this approach will not be successful if you opt for a very short haircut, as lice can survive and lay eggs even on a small portion of hair.

If you are uncertain about whether you have eliminated all the lice eggs (nits), professionals at lice clinics can provide a comprehensive examination for you.

To prevent the recurrence of these parasites, Fisher recommends that all members of the household undergo lice screening as a preventive measure. Additionally, it is advisable to launder all blankets, towels, and pillow covers using hot water. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, a freelance health and science journalist, is based in New York.