How to Check for Head Lice

Head lice are tiny, wingless parasites that can be found on the human head, especially in highly populated areas. They are highly contagious and are lurking around the local school yard right now. They are not prejudice to race, hair hygiene or age.
There is no particular time of the year that head lice are more prevalent, as the human body regulates our body’s temperature all year round. This is great news for head lice as they are quite comfortable on the human scalp in any situation of rain, hail or shine.
With some schools seeing head lice problems come around again and again it is often perceived that treatment is not being administered properly and a strategy for prevention may not be in place. An infestation is likely to return if all the eggs haven’t been combed out of the hair and reapplication of the treatment to target undetected hatchlings has not be administered.
It is almost impossible to completely prevent head lice – they will always be around – it is possible to adopt habits that can reduce your child’s risk of catching the pesty parasite or catch an infestation in the early days making treatment that much easy and less frustrating for both the child and the parent.
Check for head lice regularly, once a week is ideal. It’s not a difficult process and it’s easy to learn how to check for head lice?
Use a conditioning or combing solution as this will temporarily immobilize the head lice. A white based conditioner will also help you to locate the head lice a little easier as they turn a grey / brown colour after feeding.
Separate the hair into 4cm sections and comb through from root to tip. After each stroke wipe the comb onto a tissue to identify any head lice or nits (head lice eggs). Pay particular attention to the back of the neck and behind the ears as these spots a common ground for nits.
Keep a magnifying glass handy to help identify nits as they are comparable to the size of a sesame seed and can sometimes be mistaken for dandruff. Dandruff will pull away from the hair shaft quite easily whereas a nit will not.
If you do find head lice you will need to apply a treatment and thoroughly comb the entire head of hair. Follow up with a second round of treatment approximately 7-10 days after the initial treatment to target any undetected hatchlings. It is more than likely that your child’s classmates may also have an infestation of head lice. Ensure the school is notified so they can inform other parents that there has been a head lice case in the classroom and encourage other parents to check their children also.
To reduce the chance of a head lice infestation ensure long hair is tied up into a bun, plait or braid and discourage children from sharing hats, headbands and hair brushes. Try use a defence spray daily to ward of any lurking head lice.
Encourage the school to promote checking for head lice, for more information on how to check for head lice visit the NitWits Natural website.
NitWits Natural is a 100% family owned Australian company that have developed a range of head lice products, free from potentially harmful pesticides. Our products are made using natural ingredients to effectively tackle head lice and their eggs. Always read the label. Use only as directed. For more helpful information, please visit the NitWits head lice website.