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Among the more frustrating problems that parents of small children have to encounter, head lice are at the top of the list. The first question is often how the child became infected in the first place. Realizing that it may be impossible to pinpoint the host, and being that you are a responsible parent, your focus must be on treating the condition. Instead of panicking, you need to learn about the problem and its available solutions in detail. Lice are not a disease. So the child infected, need not be alienated from other children. However, the infestation can spread from one person to another during close contact. It is vital to seek an excellent head lice treatment as quick as possible.

The condition is quite common, especially among children in school. It is estimated that one in ten children in school suffers from head lice at some point in their student life. One side of a popular debate is that the insects have developed resistance to the regular lice treatments. It is helpful to understand the traits of lice before you search for a solution to eradicate them. A louse can survive about a month and can lay approximately three to ten eggs every day. Nits, the eggs of lice can be found on hair upon close examination. Depending on the color of your hair, the nits too vary in color. Head lice treatment involves not just removing the live lice from your scalp, but also eliminating all the nits. As these eggs are attached to the hair shaft by a type of lice produced glue, it is tough to remove them. You could be overwhelmed with the number of products available on the market promising to remove lice. Unfortunately, not every one of them is efficient in doing so.

When choosing a head lice treatment product for children, safety must be your first priority. Chemicals in some lice removal shampoos can cause allergic reactions in kids. It is highly advisable that you select a natural lice treatment that can completely cure the condition within fourteen days. Pick up a comprehensive kit that includes lice shampoo, spray repellant, combing solution, conditioner, detangler, etc. Products made from natural ingredients are generally safe for children, but always read the ingredient label. You’ll need to have absolute patience, even while using the best lice products and tools. The combing sessions are time consuming. The first session demands approximately one to three hours, while it can usually be reduced to half an hour in the subsequent days.

Be sure to avoid lice killing poisons such as Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide, Malathion, etc. ensure that your child is out of harm's way. Your responsibility does not end with eliminating lice from your child’s scalp. You’ll need to inform others who have had close contact with your child as they may have also contracted lice. Unfortunately, the social stigma attached to the head lice could make it difficult for you to disclose the fact. For more anonymity, you can opt to inform the school nurse to perform a head check without revealing your child's identity. As professionals, they should understand your concern. Try to inform others who are close to you like good friends, baby sitters, caregivers, etc. They will appreciate knowing the situation and being guided by you regarding suggestions for the best head lice treatment.



Melissa Gordon is the author of this article on Head Lice Treatment.