Does your child have head lice? (Head Lice) Don't worry, let's talk about this!

Does your little one scratch their head all the time? You must be scared when you see them scratching their heads so much that you can't stand it. Maybe the first thing that comes to your mind is, "Oh my God, I don't know if I have lice." In fact, this is a very common experience for a mother of young children. So don't worry. Lice are not something that comes from dirt. They are like a cold, which can easily be transmitted from one child to another. Let's talk about everything in simple terms today.

How do you know if you have lice? (Symptoms)

If a child has head lice, there are a few main signs that you will notice. Sometimes lice can be present without any symptoms. However, these are the most common signs.

You can learn more about these symptoms from the table below.

What do these lice and nits (eggs) look like?

Lice are a very small species of insects. In medical science, the presence of lice is called ``Pediculosis``.

• Adult louse: Usually grayish-brown in color. Has three pairs of legs. Smaller than a sesame seed. Lice move around very quickly, so it can be a little difficult to see a live louse when combing your head.
• Lice eggs (Leeks): We call these "Leeks" in our language. These are the ones that we can find more easily than lice. They can be white, yellow, or brown in color. Although they look like lice, they do not come off as easily as lice. Leeches are attached to the hair like a gum, sticking close to the scalp. They can only be removed by combing them out with a lice comb.

How do lice breed?

This is a very important question. Lice are spread not by dirt, but by close contact .

Simply put, lice can't fly or jump. They can only crawl.

• Head to head: This is the main way lice are spread. At school, during play, or when children hold their heads close together, a louse from one head can crawl to the other head. This is why it is most common in children between the ages of 3 and 12.
• Sharing personal items: Lice can also be spread when sharing items such as combs, brushes, hats, pillowcases, and hair bands.
• Lice life cycle: An adult louse lays eggs (nits) in the hair follicles near the scalp. Within 5-10 days, these eggs hatch and tiny lice hatch. Over the next 9-12 days, these lice feed on blood and grow to be adults, and they too begin to lay eggs. If this cycle is not broken, the number of lice will continue to increase.

Can lice cause other problems?

Lice are not usually a very harmful species. They do not transmit diseases. However, the main complication that can occur is that excessive scratching can cause skin lesions, which can lead to bacterial infections . If the lesions are oozing pus, red, or swollen, it could be a sign of an infection.

How do you check to see if your child has head lice?

If in doubt, check this way.

1. Wet your child's hair thoroughly and apply a little conditioner. This will make it harder for lice to move around.

2. With a fine-toothed comb, or a special nit comb available at the pharmacy, take small sections of hair and slowly comb them from the scalp to the ends.

3. After each combing, wipe the comb on a white tissue. This will make it easier to see any lice or nits on the comb.

4. Check the hair especially behind the ears and near the neck . These are the warmest places where lice like to live.

If you have trouble finding it, you can ask your child's doctor or the school nurse for help.

How to get rid of lice forever? (Treatment)

Treating lice requires a bit of patience. The best way is to use an anti-lice shampoo, lotion, or cream that is available at pharmacies or recommended by a doctor.

Important: Before using any medicine, read the instructions on the package carefully. Follow the instructions exactly, such as how to apply it, how long to leave it on, and how many times a day to use it. Some medicines are not suitable for young babies. So, if you are unsure, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Sometimes lice develop resistance to certain medications. If the first treatment is not successful, you may need to try another treatment.

How do you get rid of lice from household items?

While treating the child, it is important to clean the home environment as well.

• Wash the child's used clothes, bedding, and pillowcases thoroughly in hot water and dry them in direct sunlight or high heat.
• Place items such as toys and hats that cannot be washed in a well-sealed plastic bag for about two weeks .
• Wash used combs and brushes thoroughly with hot water. Or, soak them in anti-lice shampoo for about 15 minutes and then wash them.
• Vacuum things like sofas and carpets at home thoroughly.

What time do you need to see a doctor?

Lice are usually something that can be treated and cured at home, but in some cases, it is essential to seek medical advice.

When can the child be sent back to school?

Usually, there is no need to keep a child home from school because they have lice. The most important thing is to start treatment for the child. It is also very important to inform the school, the class teacher, and those who care for the child about this . Then other parents can also check their children. The child should also be taught to stay away from games that involve head-to-head contact when playing with other children.

Can you prevent lice infestation?

Although it is difficult to completely prevent it, you can do these things to reduce the risk.

• Teach your child to avoid head-on collisions with others.
• Teach your child not to share personal items like combs, brushes, hats, and pillows with others.
• If one person in the house has lice, check the heads of everyone else in the house. If necessary, treat everyone at the same time. Otherwise, you could get re-infested.

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