Lice are tiny, wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. Lice spread from head to head contact, with an already infected person, is the most common way. Also through close contact and by sharing belongings is another common way. Having head lice isn’t a sign of poor personal hygiene or an unclean living environment.
Washing, soaking or drying items at a temperature greater than 130 degrees Fahrenheit can kill both head lice and nits. Only items that have been in contact with the head of the infested person in the 48 hours before treatment, would be considered for cleaning.
Adult lice can live up to 30 days on a persons head. To live, adult lice need to end on blood several times daily. Without blood meals, the louse will die within 1-2 days off the host.
Smells lice hate: Coconut, tea tree oil, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon grass and peppermint. Using a coconut scented shampoo and conditioner is an easy way to increase your defenses. A 1% concentrated tea tree oil killed 100% of head life after 30 minutes.
7 signs of head lice you shouldn’t ignore
- White dots on the hair
- Red bumps on the scalp
- A tickling sensation on the scalp
- Actual bugs on the scalp
- Irritation
- Trouble sleeping
- Intense itching