subject: The Problem with Head Lice [print this page] The Problem with Head Lice The Problem with Head Lice
The Problem with Head Lice
By Dawn Mucci
The problem with head lice is that most people don't know how to effectively deal with it. They turn to the standard Rx and run to the drug store and get recommended a topical pesticide based treatment. They are told to apply it seven days apart and are usually given a Lousy nit comb to do the job of lice egg removal. It is not stressed that the combing and nit removal is the most important part of head lice elimination? This lack of education, inadequate tools and the ever growing resistance to pesticide based treatments has caused many families to suffer for weeks if not months with a head lice infestation. Stress builds, money is wasted and eventually children got over exposed to pesticides because when they did not work the first two times chances are they were applied again.
Have I got it right? You got lice, bought a treatment and comb from the drug store and spent hours and even days combing and cleaning your home. Just when you thought you were done and the bugs were gone you find more. Usually about two to three weeks later. Why?
Here is what went wrong. The focus on head lice elimination needs to be on the complete reduction and removal of lice eggs. You need a quality comb to do that. Most treatments on the market include a comb in the package but these are not effective for what needs to be done. The treatment portion where you aim to kill the bugs needs to be done in such a way as to interrupt the life cycle of the head louse. Applying ever 7 days is not going to do that. Lice lay an egg and that egg takes seven to 10 days to hatch. It takes another 7 to 10 days for the baby louse, nymph to be mature enough to mate. If you do a repeat treatment as directed in seven days, what about the lice eggs that hatch on the eighth, ninth or tenth day?
Another reason that some families have difficulty getting rid of head lice is that they simply do not have the time, desire or inclination to deal with head lice. Mother could be overwhelmed with several kids and may have lice herself. Busy schedules mean limited time to nitpick. Bug phobias, disabilities or a lack of knowledge all play a part in not getting rid of head lice in a safe and timely manner.
At the end of the day the biggest concern regarding head lice is the over use and abuse of pesticides on children who are still in the developmental stages. There needs to be more education and a wider variety of alternatives provided to parents seeking advice on how to treat head lice. Big research and development companies may have the funds to market their solutions and remain the most recognized and recommended products at the drug store but that does not need to remain the case. People are talking more about lice and their experiences. Pesticides are a big concern today and they have been banned in many communities for use on lawns and gardens. More people are going organic and use alternatives to pesticides when ever possible. So why should we still be putting pesticides on our kids for head lice when there are other options available?
Thankfully the stigma associated with head lice is softening and more conversation is being generated. People are changing their behaviour and companies are being formed to offer safer and more effective solutions and meet the needs of the consumer.
If head lice is problem affecting your family. There is help. Before you run to the drug store do some research and check out what is now available in the mainstream of head lice care.
