Dandruff, dirt, scabs, skin cells and knotted hair are often
misidentified as evidence of head lice. What are the true signs
that your child has head lice?
"If you see that
your child often scratches his head, complains of an itchy scalp
or head, take a close look for head lice," said Paul
Guillebeau,
an entomologist with the University of Georgia College of
Agricultural
and Environmental Sciences.
"Head lice tend to locate near the ears or along the back
of the neck," he said. "So check these areas for signs
of redness."
To remove head lice from your child, follow these 10 tips.
1. Work in a well-lighted area or use a flashlight.
2. Remove tangles using a grooming comb or hairbrush.
Detangling
spray or mousse is also useful.
3. Divide the hair into sections and fasten off the hair that
is not being checked.
4. Use a lice comb to detect and remove head lice and their
nits (eggs).
5. Go through the hair section from the scalp to the end. Nits
are usually found close to the scalp.
6. Dip the comb in hot, soapy water or use tape to remove
lice,
nits and debris from the comb.
7. Sift through the hair and look for attached nits and live
head lice.
8. Move on to the next section of hair and repeat steps 4-6
until all hair has been checked.
9. Screen the child every day for 10 days and regularly
thereafter
to assure that the head lice have been removed.
10. If you find more nits, do another manual search.
