Franks Advice on Nits
Tuesday, 01 September 2009 00:00
IT is every parent’s nightmare. “Our Little Ellie has got NITS!”
Well there is a reliable way of detecting head lice and, if used on a regular basis, this method will prevent infection. My advice would be to use this method every night if headlice are suspected in the environment of school or play area:
Step 1
Wash hair as normal with shampoo. Apply enough conditioner to cover all the hair thoroughly and comb as normal to remove tangles (your pharmacist can advise on the best conditioner to use).
Step 2
Using a suitable comb, touch the teeth to the scalp starting at the roots of the top of the head and comb to the ends of the hair, keeping the comb in contact with the skin as long as possible. If the hair is long divide into sections combing each section thoroughly.
Step 3
Look for lice in the teeth of the comb after each stroke. If necessary use a tissue to wipe conditioner off the comb and look for lice there. Work round the head in sections and use a magnifying glass if necessary.
Step 4
When the whole head has been combed rinse out the conditioner. Use an ordinary comb to remove tangles. Repeat detection combing in the wet, rinsed hair.
Step 5
If a live louse is found I suggest that you ask your pharmacist about a combing solution to use when repeating the above. I always recommend a Tea Tree Oil based conditioner. The Tea Tree Oil penetrates the hair shaft after a few applications and can act as a louse repellant. Only useinsecticidal treatments as a last resort as resistance to these can build up quickly, rendering the treatment ineffective. Only use these last treatments if a louse is found on detection combing.
Your Pharmacist can advise on the best type of comb to use.
