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Click here for info on Behaviours
HEALTH & BEHAVIOURS Headlice
What are headlice?
They are tiny wingless insects, about 2mm long with six legs. They live in the hair and go to the scalp to feed on blood. They move very rapidly, HOWEVER they CANNOT FLY, HOP, JUMP or SWIM. Eggs are laid at night on the hair shaft close to the scalp, attached with a 'glue like' substance. Lice are sometimes called 'Utu' & eggs are sometimes called 'nits'. Lice only live for 28 - 40 days, adult lice can lay eggs 9 - 10 days after they are born. You only get headlice from other people. How do you get headlice?
Mainly by head to head contact. It is RISKY to share combs, brushes, hats, hair ties, towels, helmets - anything that touches the head. How do I know I have headlice? - you may see lice or a louse in the child's or adult's hair
- you may see eggs close to the scalp (within 1cm)
- you need to use the detection combing method to check properly
How do I lessen the risk of getting headlice? - learn how to check heads properly for headlice. While your children are pre-school or primary school age check their hair at least weekly using the detection combing method
- don't share anything that touches the hair - brushes, combs, hair ties, towels, helmets, hats, bedding
- make sure everyone has their own hair brush and comb
- treat only when live lice or live eggs are found
- good general hair care is important
- tie up long hair
- daily brushing - as per next instructions
Why do headlice reoccur?
- all the lice were not killed and/or all the eggs were not removed
- the treatment was not done properly
- you have got more lice from someone else
- you have lice that are resistant to the treatment you have used Other points...
1) parents need to be responsible for the treatment and prevention of headlice in the family
2) headlice are always around
3) eggs should be physically removed
4) wash pillowcases, sheets, nightclothes, towels, t-shirts, sweatshirts and singlets in hot soapy water and dry in a clothes dryer or hang in the sun to dry
this information is from a "Crown Public Health" brochure
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