Beating residential nits

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 380, 2 April 1991, Page 8

Beating residential nits

BY

HELEN

POCKNALL,

PHN

This is a simple guide to help prevent infestation with head lice and also to ensure recognition of head lice and how to treat them correctly: The head louse lives on the scalp where it receives food (blood), warmth, moisture, and has ideal egg laying sites. It only leaves this head when in direct contact with another suitable head. The only other time it leaves the head is when it is dead or dying. It cannot leave the head in water & lice are not therefore transferred in swimming pools. The female louse lays her eggs touching or very close to the scalp where the nit hatches 710 days later. She only lays the eggs when the head is still, therefore most eggs are laid at night. The egg matches the hosts' skin colour - the white nits further down the shaft of hair are empty egg cases. Hair grows approx 1cm per month so any nits found further than 1 cm from the scalp can be ignored unless there are actual lice on the head. Primary school children are at greatest risk of getting head lice because of close proximity and frequent head to head contact. It is not a sign of poor hygiene - most of us or our children will have had headlice. It is important that children and other family or household members are checked regularly for signs of infestation. The eggs are commonly laid on the scalp above the ears, at the base of the hairline and at the front of the head. The eggs are about 0.5mm long and ovoid, they are attached to the hair with cement-like

glue. The adult louse is very difficult to see but sometimes can be found if the hair is brushed over a light coloured sheet or towel and the louse drops out. Treatment Pyrethrin based insecticidal and ovicidal shampoos - Pyrifoam or Lyban are the treatment of choice. Both these products have been shown to be 100% effective if used correctly. Clear instructions come with the shampoos. Please note that the products are temperature sensitive so the shampoos need to be stored below 30°C and a hair drier should not be used following treatment. Also chlorine (swimming pools) reduces the effectiveness of Pyrifoam & Lyban. So.if treatment does not appear to be effective it may be that the children are swimming too soon after treatment or that the shampoo is being stored at a high temperature. Treatment should be repeated seven days later. The nits can be removed by using a nit comb whilst the hair is wet. This is purely for

cosmetic reasons. Some people find that vinegar applied to the hair with cotton wool and left to soak for a while helps to loosen the cement. All brushes and combs used by the family should be given the same insecticidal treatment. Prevention Brush hair really well every night, from ear to ear and from root to tip. This will help dislodge any head lice that may have been caught that day before they have the opportunity to lay their eggs. Each family member should use their own brush and comb. Sharing is a great way to spread lice & nits. Wash brushes and combs as often as heads eg; once a week. Check the heads of all family members regularly If you see live insects or eggs close to the scalp treat it as soon as possible. Head lice like us all - we must check for them regularly. Parents, this is your responsibility. For further assistance please contact Helen Pocknall, PHN Waimarino, or Rita Goulding PHN Waiouru, or see your local pharmacist.