Frequently asked questions about Head Lice and the answers from Aromatherapist Julie Foster

1) What are Head Lice?

They are a human parasitic insect that feeds on the blood from the scalp. Head Lice are the size of a small mosquito and if you magnified them they would look like earwigs with shorter tails. It is their saliva as they bite that causes a reaction and leads to the vicious scratching that affects some (not all) children. Apart form the irritation the wounds can become infected.

2) Why are they more common now?

This is because of central heating and more pleasant comfortable living conditions for the parasites too not just your kids.

3) Why do they prefer clean hair

This is a myth - they are not fussy, they like any scalp and any hair. However as you know some people get eaten alive by mosquitoes others never suffer – no one not sure why they prefer some people and not others.

4) How do I know if my child is infested

Most children but not all will scratch – lice don’t bother everyone
Look around the warmest areas i.e. nape of the neck the temples and behind the ears. You are unlikely to see the lice – a typical infestation may typically only be six live lice. What you will see are the eggs (the nits) like specs of pepper clinging to the hair shaft.

5) How do I clear the infestation?

One of two methods or both

1. Use tea tree shampoo daily for two weeks – as the eggs hatch it will kill the live lice. NOTE: NOTHING WILL PENETRATE AND KILL THE EGGS, THEY ARE LIKE SMALL IMPENETRABLE WALNUTS
2. Add tea tree oil to any conditioner and comb through carefully – any live lice and eggs will slide off. However at least three through combings will be needed and even then the likely hood of leaving or missing eggs is likely so it has to be repeated regularly
3. Combine both the above if you want to speed the process

6) What is the point – someone else in their class doesn’t bother and two weeks later they are back again

The eggs can stay in the hair for up to two weeks before hatching so often it is not a re infestation it is a continued infestation. Use tea tree shampoo regularly or add quality tea tree oil to your normal shampoo regularly to prevent this situation

7) What else can I do to protect my children

§ When you wash their coats, uniforms, hats etc dry them in the dryer with a hanky which has 6 drops of tea tree and 6 drops of geranium on it – the clothes will be then impregnated with a natural repellent (geranium is a more pleasant smell than tea tree and it is also an insect repellent that’s why it was and is used as a window box plant).

§ Apply tea tree to combs, brushes etc regularly

§ Keep girls’ hair tightly tied back and boys’ hair short

8) What is Tea tree
Tea tree is an oil extracted form a small shrub which is a very powerful but natural insecticide. It is organically constituted that means it is completely natural and comes from sustainable sources. It is completely harmless to humans and animals.

9) Where can I get the products?
Potions and Possibilities factory outlet at old Martlesham (Google us on our website www.potions.co.uk for map) or order online.

KEY MESSAGE

HEADLICE ARE A PROBLEM THAT ARE HERE TO STAY –
WE NEED TO ADOPT THE ATTITUDE THAT IT IS A PERMANENT
PROBLEM THAT NEEDS MANAGING PERMANENTLY –
IT IS NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN JUST TREAT AND FORGET ABOUT