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Pediculosis--A Pesky
Problem
by Marian Brown
Parents faithfully teach their children how to cross the street
safely, not to talk to strangers, and that sharing is the right thing to do.
However, with sharing we need to add some clarification. Sharing toys and books
is fine, but, sharing hats, combs, and other personal care items can lead to
spreading germs, bacteria, and disease--namely head lice!
Head lice are non-discriminatory--they pay no heed to race, religion,
sex or economic status. Yes, even the cleanest, most impeccably groomed child
can become infected infected with head lice and in turn infect the whole family.
Some information is now showing that head lice in fact having an easier time
infecting hair that is "squeaky" clean.
Across the nation several school districts have
faced or are facing head lice epidemics. This too is being blamed on "global
warming". (Some speculation is
that warmer weather keeps the lice more active.) But, whatever the cause, the
infestation happens very quickly. It is a simple process. Childen often share
hair combs, barrettes and hats, allowing the head lice to leave one home (your
hat) for a new one --the other child's hair.
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| Fortunately, head lice nits are easy to spot. They are tiny, white or
pearly colored eggs that attach themselves to the hair. (See illustration at
top) They will not easily flake off like dry scalp or dandruff. The lice
themselves are dark colored, similar to fleas, but almost crab-shaped in
appearance. It is common to find nits, but no lice.
Unfortunately, head lice are not as easy to get rid of or deter.
Pre-treatment (with over-the-counter or prescription shampoos) is NOT effective
or recommended. Like new antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria/viruses, head
lice are becoming more resistant to treatment and the treatment, if overdone,
can be harmful to us.
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As parents, there are several things we can do on the prevention side.
First, explain to your children that personal items such as combs and hats
should not be shared with others or should your children borrow or use those
items from their friends. Be sure to explain that other items can be shared and
do not scare your children by being overly dramatic about getting a disease or
"bugs".
Follow this sharing concept at home. Each family member should have
his/her own personal comb/brush and hat--teach by example.
Good hygiene alone will not prevent head lice. Normal shampoos will
not deter them. However, tea tree oil has been traditionally used (and is
commonly used in other countries) as a natural repellent against head lice.
Commercial tea tree shampoos are available or simply prepare your own by adding
3-5 drops of tea tree oil to 1 ounce of shampoo. Another option, which I
personally used, is to rub the tea tree oil directly on a fine-toothed comb and
comb through the hair, adding additional drops of oil as needed. (Do not wet the
hair with the oil or pour directly on the scalp.)
Other preventative measures include washing bedding and outer clothing
frequently. Tea tree oil is generally safe to add with detergent directly in the
washing machine. (Use caution when washing delicate or fine washables.) (I have
found that using 8-10 drops seems sufficient as tee tree oil is a highly
concentrated essential oil.)
Also, if head lice is prevalent in your school, visit your child's
classroom. Many schools face over-crowding and coats/hats/etc are on top of each
other or overlapping. Look for alternatives to this, and the spreading may be
cut down.
Should prevention fail, contact your health care provider and be sure
to contact your child's daycare or school nurse!
All information is provided for
education and general use and does not
take the place of a qualified health care provider.
Always use caution when using essential oils. |
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