Schools and manufacturers of lice products estimate that there are approximately twenty-five million infestations of headlice a year in the United States alone. Most of those infested are children under the age of twelve. These pests are hard to avoid because they migrate through direct contact with an infested person and their belongings. The good news is that headlice treatment is relatively easy and painless. In this article, we'll teach you how to wipe out these pests and keep them from coming back.



Treatment can be done with over-the-counter topical treatments specifically designed to treat head lice. Before you begin treatment, be absolutely sure that you actually have them. Many people misdiagnose headlice and treat themselves or their children with chemicals unnecessarily. Use caution with these products and use them only as directed. Leaving them on longer than the directions state or applying more treatments than recommended puts children at risk for overexposure to chemical pesticides. You can ask your pharmacist any questions you may have.

A headlice treatment product that contains a pesticide works by damaging the louse's nervous system. These chemicals can also be dangerous to humans if they aren't used properly. Pregnant women, infants and children and the elderly should forego being treated with any product containing lindane, as it can cause neurotoxicity.

Isopropyl myristate 50% is a treatment that contains no traditional insecticides and works by dissolving the wax that covers the louse's outer skeleton. Isopropyl myristate 50% is clinically proven to be effective for treating head lice. Isopropyl myristate, the active ingredient of Resultz, is widely used in lower concentrations in skincare and cosmetic products such as lipstick, bath oil and moisturizers. As a treatment, isopropyl myristate 50% is colorless and odorless.

Using both of these products is similar to using a normal shampoo. Apply the product to dry hair and massage it into the hair until the scalp and hair are thoroughly wet with the product. Pay special attention to the sides and back of the neck because these are favorite spots for lice. Leave it on the hair for ten minutes and then rinse with warm water. Once your hair has dried, use a nit comb daily to remove the dead nits and continue to do this for several days. You should repeat the treatment one week later to kill any new lice that may have hatched after the first treatment. After that, check daily for two weeks.

One thing that you should keep in mind when choosing a product for headlice treatment, is resistance. Some entomologists have reported that headlice have developed resistance to pesticides. Your best course of action is discussing your options with a pharmacist and keeping a close eye on the problem. Even after you've completed your head lice treatment, be diligent about checking hair and removing nits daily, and repeatedly vacuum your home and car for a few weeks. This will definitely keep the bugs away.