New term – New bugs?
New school uniform ripped on day 1? Tick
New shoes scuffed on day 3? Tick
New infestation of head lice? Urgh…….not again!
Back to school can be stressful for all sorts of reasons but head lice shouldn’t be one of them!
Facts: Head lice can’t jump or fly
Head lice like long or short hair, as long as it’s clean!
Head lice can’t live off the body for more than 24hrs
Head lice can spread by head-to-head contact.
If you have a ‘visit’ from these mites then there are some non-drug, natural measures you can try:
- Apply Aloe vera gel, lavender oil and tea tree oil mixed together topically to coat the scalp and hair. Pop on a shower cap to protect the pillow, and then wash hair as normal in the morning. Comb hair in small sections with a metal nit comb, to remove dead lice.
- The key is regular and consistent checking of the hair and scalp – weekly is best. Children often scratch at the nape of the neck and behind the ears.
- Neem oil or coconut oil applied to the hair and scalp will make the metal comb glide easily through the hair. It also makes it harder for the lice to cling on to the hair shaft.
Hopefully your children will not bring home any ‘new friends’ in their scalps! If they do, feel free to call me as there are lots of homeopathic remedies to treat and prevent head lice infestations.
