Head Lice in Children:

Lice are wingless insects that are small in size, about the size of a sesame seed. Lice are parasitic insects that infest the head and primarily feed on blood, which can cause skin irritation and infections. Lice are highly contagious, especially among school-aged children.

However, what are the causes of head lice infestation in children?

In fact, there is no direct link between head lice infestation and cleanliness or frequency of bathing. It is a common misconception that only dirty children get lice, which is not true because lice are highly contagious and can easily spread among children, especially in school-aged children, between the ages of 3-12 years. Children in this age group often share their belongings more than adults.
Infection can be transmitted through head-to-head contact with an infested person or by sharing personal items such as towels, hats, pillows, bedding, and combs with an infested person. Often, a person may not know they are infested with head lice until later, spreading the infection to many others.

Symptoms of head lice infestation:

It is sometimes difficult to see lice on a person's head due to their small size, especially in boys and girls with long dark hair. The quick movement of lice makes them hard to spot as they crawl rather than fly or jump. Instead, you might notice:
1- Scratches on the scalp from itching.
2- Feeling something moving on the head or a tickling sensation.
3- Red sores on the scalp, neck, and shoulders, which can also become infected with bacteria.
4- Small oval-shaped or white/translucent eggs on the hair.
5- Difficulty sleeping due to increased lice activity in the dark.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is important to consult a family doctor or pediatrician for confirmation. Other family members should also be checked for possible transmission.

Diagnosing head lice in children:

A doctor can diagnose a lice infestation by seeing the lice or eggs, but sometimes it may be challenging to see them. In such cases, a doctor may use a magnifying glass or a fine-toothed comb to identify lice.
If you only see eggs on the child's scalp, it indicates a possible lice infestation. Lice are typically found within 1/4 inch from the base of the scalp, indicating that they may be dead.
If your child is experiencing symptoms of lice infestation but you cannot see the lice, consult a family doctor or pediatrician for an appropriate diagnosis.

Treatment of head lice in children:

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) treatments available for lice. Shampoos and lotions containing permethrin and pyrethrin are common. There are other medications containing chemicals, so it is important to consult a doctor before using them, especially for children with allergies or asthma. If lice are found in the eyebrows or eyelashes, avoid applying these products around the eyes as they may cause eye sensitivity.
Not all lice treatment products may kill all the lice, so manual removal of remaining lice with a special comb is necessary. Treatment should continue for at least two weeks or until lice and nits are gone.
It is also important to wash clothes and items used by the child in hot water, and clean the child's sleeping area, sitting area, and car seat if infested with lice.

These instructions are important when treating head lice:

1- Follow the instructions on the product, apply the medication only to the hair close to the scalp, and avoid using it on other body areas.
2- Do not use more than one product for your child unless instructed by a doctor.
3- Do not leave the medication on the scalp longer than specified on the product, rinse the child's head thoroughly afterward.
4- Use a special comb to remove dead and remaining lice and nits.
5- The doctor may also recommend a treatment shampoo for other family members to prevent infection transmission.
6- There is no scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of household items like mayonnaise, olive oil, or vinegar in killing or suffocating lice.
7- Avoid using substances like benzene or kerosene on your child's head as they are hazardous and flammable; replace them with medical treatments.
8- If you are unsure about which medication to use, consult a doctor to determine the best treatment for your child's condition.

Are there any side effects of medications used in treating head lice:

Most head lice treatments are safe and effective (available over-the-counter), but it is essential to follow the product instructions carefully. Most of these medications are insecticides and can cause allergies and scalp irritation in some children when absorbed through the skin.

How to prevent head lice in children:

If your child has head lice, you should follow the following instructions:
1- Wash clothes, bedding, and towels with hot water and thoroughly.
2- Try to designate specific tools for your infected child to prevent the spread of infection to other family members.
3- Leave combs in hot water for at least 5-10 minutes.
4- Clean sitting and sleeping areas with a vacuum cleaner.
5- If there are items that cannot be washed, you can wrap them in a plastic bag for two weeks.

Teach your child some habits to prevent the spread of lice:

- Teach the child not to share personal belongings with others.
- Avoid direct contact with other children during play and various activities such as hats, headphones, etc.
- Inform the school administration if your child is infected with head lice, as they may need to stay home until fully recovered to prevent the spread of infection within the classrooms.

Do I need to treat pets if one of my children has lice?

Head lice do not live on pets, and they also do not play a role in transmitting lice, so there is no need to treat them.
- It is also not recommended to spray insecticide sprays or fumigate the house as they can be absorbed through the skin and cause more harm than good. Routine cleaning of the house focusing on areas where the infected child sits and sleeps is sufficient.

What is the reason for the failure of lice treatment?

In fact, head lice do not last long, and within two weeks, they can be controlled. However, in some cases, treatment may fail:
1- Misdiagnosis of lice, as symptoms may be due to another disease.
2- Applying treatment to hair washed with shampoo or conditioner that acts as barriers preventing the medication from reaching the lice and thus reducing the effectiveness of treatment.
3- Not following treatment instructions accurately, such as not applying a second treatment when requested by the doctor or stopping treatment before the recommended time, which can cause eggs to hatch and lead to a re-infection.
4- Resistance of head lice, in which case the doctor may suggest trying another medication to treat lice.
5- The treatment may be effective but the child may get infected again from another infected child, so try to keep your child at home away from other children during the treatment period.