Current Information and Treatment Tips

In recent days, many parents have received notifications from schools asking them to check their children for head lice. It is important to know that lice have nothing to do with poor hygiene; on the contrary, they prefer clean hair. Because head lice do not always cause itching, an infestation can spread unnoticed.

Head lice are difficult to detect, but their nits (eggs) are often easier to spot. These small, whitish flakes are firmly attached to the hair and are difficult to remove. The parasites themselves appear as dark, moving dots about 2 mm in size. Head lice are mainly transmitted through direct head-to-head contact among children, but they can also spread through clothing, bedding, or combs. However, they can only survive up to 3 days without a human host.

Head lice prefer areas with thin skin, such as the nape of the neck, temples, and behind the ears. Itching, caused by the lice's feeding, can indicate an infestation. Scratching can lead to infections, causing swelling and inflammation.

Thankfully, nowadays it is no longer necessary to cut hair to get rid of head lice. There are various lice treatments available in the form of shampoos, foams, sprays, or lotions. Choosing the right product is crucial, especially for children and infants, so it is important to coordinate the treatment with a professional.

After treatment, the hair should be carefully combed with a nit comb, as some eggs may survive. The treatment should be repeated after about a week to ensure that a reinfestation is avoided. Textiles that may have come into contact with lice should be washed at at least 60 degrees Celsius. If this is not possible, they can be frozen or stored in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.