FAQs
QUESTIONS: Head Lice Treatment
How does someone know if they have head lice?
How do you treat head lice?
What is the most effective head lice treatment?
Why is it important to comb hair after treating for head lice?
Why does it take so long to comb out the nits (head lice eggs) ?
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Q:
How does someone know if they have head lice?
- A:
Know what to look for. Both adult head lice and nits are small and hard to see with the naked eye. Proper lighting and a magnifier are often needed for positive identification. Head lice are most often found around the ears or the nape of the neck. Adult lice crawl very quickly and will quickly move to a dense patch of hair. Nits are glued to the hair shaft and are usually lighter in color-they are difficult to remove. The best way for someone to determine if they have head lice is to consult a Health Care Professional for a proper diagnosis. Misdiagnosis of head lice is very common.
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Q:
How do you treat head lice?
- A:
There are many different treatments available for removing head lice. Both over-the-counter and prescription head lice treatments should be researched thoroughly before use. REMEMBER: Proper use of head lice treatments is very important. Follow product instructions carefully and use all products as directed. Visit our How-To section for detailed information on treating head lice.
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Q:
What is the most effective head lice treatment?
- A:
The best treatment for head lice depends on the severity of the individual's infestation. There is increasing evidence that head lice are becoming resistant to various treatments. You should always speak with a qualified Health Care Provider for advice on what is the safest, most effective treatment for your child. It is essential to follow the product's directions carefully. Because many treatments do not kill nits (eggs), you should recheck for head lice in ~7-9 days. Remember that every viable nit should be removed to prevent a reinfestation.
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Q:
Why is it important to comb hair after treating for head lice?
- A:
Most head lice treatments do not kill nits. If they are not removed (either by picking or by using a special comb), they will hatch, become adults and lay their own eggs. Removing all the nits helps to stop the head lice life cycle from repeating. You should carefully read the directions on your treatment to see if combing is a required step.
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Q:
Why does it take so long to comb out the nits (head lice eggs) ?
- A:
Female head lice lay their eggs (nits) with a cement-like substance that does not easily wash out. To remove nits, hair needs to be sectioned and carefully combed in very small areas to ensure ALL of the nits and lice are found. If ALL live nits are not removed they can hatch and produce more head lice.
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