Many children have lice, and contrary to what one might think lice also proliferate on “clean heads”. They can settle in people of all ages and all social classes. They are however much more present in children from 3 to 11 years old. Most often, lice are transmitted through direct contact. Less frequently they can be transmitted indirectly (combs, pillowcases, scarves, hats, …)

Lice are small parasites (approx. 2-4mm) with 6 legs. Contrary to what we may believe and what we say, lice can neither fly nor jump.

Female lice lay eggs called “nits”.

They can lay 5 to 6 per day. Nits cling firmly to the hair, close to the scalp, and hatch between 7 and 10 days.

How to get rid of lice?

It is important to comb the hair every day with a “special lice comb” (comb with very tight teeth).

The ideal is to comb the wet and towel-dried hair, and to proceed line by line, above a white sheet. For stronger nits that stick to the hair, use your fingernails or tweezers to remove them by sliding them along the hair.

It is recommended to use an anti-lice shampoo / lotion, and to repeat the operation 7 days after the first use. You are probably wondering why 7 days? Because this corresponds to the time it takes for lice to reach adulthood, and therefore to reproduce in turn.

As for bedding, scarves, hats, fluff, they should be washed at 60 degrees or with the help of a special solution. Anything that unfortunately cannot be washed can be locked in a black bag for ten days or placed in a bag in the freezer for 24 to 48 hours.

How to prevent lice infestation?

The ideal is to apply a preventative solution, or to wash your hair with a preventive shampoo. It is advisable to tie up long hair.

Tips if you want to use essential oils:

Aspic lavender essential oil: apply a few drops locally behind the ears and in the neck (preventive)

You can also add for a dose of shampoo: 2 drops of lavender aspic, 2 drops of geranium, 2 drops of juniper (curative). There is also shampoo from Puressentiel.

A little common sense…

If your child is in school, it is imperative to notify the school, and to treat him before putting him back to school.