Being infested with head lice is common amongst school age children, it happens to nearly everyone and is by no means a sign of being unhygienic, neglected or dirty. There is no reason for parents to be embarrassed when their child is infested with lice… Studies even suggest that head lice infestation is the second most common communicable disease next to common colds!
What are head lice?
Head lice are tiny grayish brown wingless parasitic insects that only affect humans. They thrive on sucking small amounts of blood from the scalp of their host several times during the day. They are neither caught from, or passed onto animals.
Head lice lay eggs which hatch in 7-10 days and take another 7 days to become mature lice. These eggs are called nits. Lice lay their eggs at the hair shafts close to the scalp as it has the perfect temperature to keep them warm and prepare them to fully hatch. These can be easily mistaken as dandruff, however, brushing the hair will not easily remove nits.
What are the common causes of a head lice infestation?
Head lice can be easily transferred from person-to-person through close hair contact. Unlike fleas, they cannot jump. Head lice simply walk from one strand of hair to the next. So, when children play, their hair is normally in close contact thus allowing for the easy transfer of head lice.
Another way that head lice may be transferred is by the sharing of personal belongings and home furnishings such as combs, hair accessories, hair brush, bedding, headphones, towels or anything that is usually shared or used by most household members.
What are some common signs that you or your child may be infested with head lice?
Scratching and itching of the scalp. This is not caused by head lice bites but rather an allergic reaction to their saliva. Although persistent itching of the scalp may not solely signal a head lice infestation.
Redness of the scalp, presence of tiny red spots or bumps on the scalp or even on the neck and/or shoulders.
Presence of white pinhead sized nits at the base of the hair.
Live, crawling lice on the hair or even behind the ears or at the nape of the neck.
Are head lice contagious?
Yes, they are highly contagious. Which is why it is important to know if you or your child is infested with head lice so you can take the most appropriate treatment option.
Why is it important to get rid of head lice permanently?
If there is one very important reason why it is necessary to get rid of head lice permanently, it is because leaving head lice in our children’s hair may lead to infection. Children may develop an allergic reaction from the saliva of lice, which will trigger irritation and scratching. Constant scratching can cause lesions, which may then lead to an infection.
How can Little Green Products help?
Little Green Kids Lice Guard Shampoo, Little Green Kids Lice Guard Detangler and Little Green Kids Lice Guard Styling Gel are products that are specially formulated with a proprietary blend of natural herbal ingredients which may be helpful in repelling head lice whilst taking care of your child’s hair.
How do I use these products?
Just like any other hair care product, there is a few simple steps to follow:
Little Green Kids Lice Guard Shampoo
- Step 1 – Wet the hair thoroughly then pour some of Little Green Kids Lice Guard Shampoo onto your palm.
- Step 2 – Massage to the hair and scalp.
- Step 3 – Rinse thoroughly.
Little Green Kids Lice Guard Detangler
- Spray liberally through the layers of damp or dry hair.
- Pay special attention to part lines and hairline around the neck and ears.
- Comb through and style as desired.
Little Green Kids Lice Guard Styling Gel
Apply a small amount to the hands and work through the layers of damp or dry hair with the fingertips.
This gel is perfect to help create structured styles (like slicked back ponytails, buns, and braids for girls or spikes for boys) that “seal” the hair.
Permanently keeping head lice from our children’s hair will not only help to bring their confidence back, but will also help to prevent them from constantly scratching their head, which may eventually lead to infection.
If you think that your child is suffering from a head lice infestation and want a natural solution that may help to get rid of the lice, check out our Little Green Lice Guard products.