ZANTEY HEAD LICE COMBS
About Head Lice
Head lice, often just referred to as ‘lice’, are a species of parasitic insect that feeds by sucking blood from the human scalp.
Adult head lice are between 2 and 3 mm long, while newly hatched head lice can be less than 1 mm. Head lice can vary in colour from transparent grey-white to dark, but are easily recognised by their flat and elongated body.
Head lice are most commonly seen in children aged 3-10 years, and more frequently in long-haired children – however, it should be noted that the cleanliness of the hair is irrelevant. Head lice live exclusively in the hair and are transmitted by head-to-head contact. As children often play close together, they are, as a group, more prone to infection.
Head lice are most commonly detected through itching and irritation of the scalp. This is due to an allergic reaction to the substance the head lice secretes when sucking blood from the scalp.
How to Comb for Head Lice
With the right lice comb and proper technique, getting rid of head lice doesn’t have to be difficult. Used thoroughly, a high-quality head lice comb can clear infestations within 14 days.
Procedure:
1. Wet the hair
Wet the hair and/or apply conditioner. This prevents the head lice from moving around too much.
2. Brush the hair
Brush hair well with a regular brush before combing so that the head lice comb is able to glide easily without getting stuck in the hair.
3. Use a proper head lice comb
Next, use a proper head lice comb. For short and fine hair, a classic head lice comb is recommended, and for long, thick or curly hair, use a head lice comb with long metal teeth.
4. Combing
Comb one section of hair at a time from scalp to tip, wiping the lice comb on a white paper towel after each pass to check for any captured head lice.
Continue combing until no more lice are detected, ideally combing the entire head at least three times.
5. Repeat
Repeat steps 1–4 every second or third day for two weeks.
Other Tips for
Treating Head Lice
- Avoid sharing a comb or brush with someone who has head lice.
- Combine combing with a proven head lice repellent if necessary.
- Make sure to inform the child’s childcare centre and other close contacts so that they can also be checked for head lice.
How Do You Prevent Head Lice?
As head lice are transmitted through head-to-head contact, they can be difficult to prevent. However, the risk of infestation can be reduced by regularly checking the hair with a proper head lice comb and starting treatment promptly if lice are found.
If you discover head lice on your child, you should inform the school, childcare institution, and close contacts to help limit the spread. Everyone in close contact with the child — including parents and grand parents — should be examined and treated if necessary.