School heads in 25 states in the United States are scratching their heads over the spread of super lice among the school children. According to Today, the parasites are becoming more resistant to over-the-counter medications, so a more proactive way of treating lice is needed.
Contrary to what others may think, lice infestation doesn't crop up because of poor hygiene habits or a dirty environment. "People think it's associated with socioeconomics or how cleanly someone is, but anyone can get it," said Ilene Nelsen, a public health nurse in Minnesota, via Crow River Media. "It doesn't matter if you have clean, normal, curly or straight hair. They like a warm head to call home."
While lice is not a serious health hazard and it doesn't transmit diseases, it may lead to further bacterial infection due to scratching and irritation, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can also be a nuisance and a distraction that could affect the kids' work and performance at school.
Below are some hair care tips and other suggestions on how to prevent its spread:
1. Despite news of treatment-resistant super lice, continue to use over-the-counter medications. According to Dr. Robin Gehris in the Today report, the treatment can still work over time, especially if parents follow proper directions.
2. The CDC does not recommend combining lice treatment with shampoo or conditioner, nor washing the hair within one to two days after using the medicine.
3. There should already be some dead lies falling off the hair within 12 hours after the medicine's use. Comb the hair properly to remove these and examine the scalp for eggs. For better results a nit comb.
4. Use the lice treatment only as directed and never go for extra amounts without consulting a doctor. These are insecticides and therefore hazardous when overused.
5. Do retreat using the treatment after 10 days, according to Mitchell Republic and if a reapplication is necessary, then use a different product, according to Sturgis Journal.
6. Wash clothes, towels and bed linens of the infected person separately. Use hot water to effectively destroy the lice. If the garments and linens are not going to be washed yet, store these in air-tight plastic bags first.
7. Even if you have treated the lice, it's still possible for the child to get infected again. "Parents are thinking that if they treated their child, it's fine to send them back to school. But (their kids can) get it from somebody else and come back home again with it," said a mom in the Crow River Media report. Thus, communities must work together to clean up and make sure that the spread is lessened.
