Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 16 Dec 2024
Winter is the Prime Time for Head Lice: THIS Is How Parents Can Tackle Them
Head lice are small, sesame seed-sized parasites that prefer a clean scalp and spread most commonly among school children
Head lice thrive and multiply most during the wintertime and can be a big headache for parents, according to experts. However, simple precautions can stop the spread of these pesky parasites.
Every year, 20.42 girls and 13 per cent school-going boys across India—ages 3 to 11—experience head lice infestations, according to various studies. Even though it is popularly believed that these insects can jump and fly, experts say they just crawl and spread from one head to another.
Even though many children with dirty or unclean hair are more likely to attract lice, doctors say the reverse is true. These small, sesame seed-sized parasites prefer a clean scalp and spread most commonly among school-aged children through shared items like brushes or dresses, hats, and combs, which present prime modes of transfer for the parasites.
Are head lice harmful?
Doctors say even though they are not harmful, head lice can cause significant discomfort and should be mitigated as soon as possible both to ease symptoms and stymie further spread.
They can also cause itchy skin and rashes at the site of bites.
Signs and symptoms
According to experts, the primary and main symptom of a lice infestation is the presence of live lice on a child’s head. Other signs can include:
- Constant itching
- Scratching on the head
- Skin irritation
- A crawling sensation
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sleeping issues
How to prevent and treat head lice?
While there are many medications and effective treatments to eradicate lice, you can always see a doctor to choose the best method of treatment. Apart from standard treatments, which include over-the-counter liquids, shampoos, and lotions called pediculicides, you can also try a few homemade ways to get rid of lice.
While lice are not harmful, they are highly contagious and can be uncomfortable. If you have the symptoms of lice or notice these in a child, you must seek immediate treatment. Treatment commonly fails if a person does not remove all the lice within a few inches of the scalp, as it can lead to re-infestation.
If a person has used medication correctly and the lice remains, they should ask a doctor about prescription strength treatments. Do not use a second OTC medication if the first has failed.
To prevent lice, you must:
- Encourage your kids to avoid sharing things.
- Teach your kids to hang up their coats and hats on an individual hook, or some other separate area when they get to school.
- Regularly clean things that your child’s head has direct contact with that they share with other children.
- Check your child for nits and live head lice at least once a week.
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