Beauty & Health Suggestions

Irritant itch caused by headlice is something most of us have experienced. They look like miniature ants with the difference that they infest only human hair. It is to be noted that the term headlice refers to the lice that infect the scalp and neck hairs only. Pubic lice (infest pubic hair) and body lice (infest human skin) are the two other type of lice. There can be many more varities like these.

Although very small, and generally bronze to gray-white in color, lice can be observed with the human eye if one looks closely. A common misconception is that these tiny creatures can somehow jump from one person to another. However, lice do not even have hind legs to enable them to jump or hop, nor do they have wings to fly. It can be assured then, that lice cannot "jump" from one person to another.

These small parasites exist on human blood. With their large front legs they hold onto human hair follicles, then use their teeth to make a small incision in the scalp, through which they suck blood. This is what causes the itch commonly associated with headlice. Apart from this constant itchiness, headlice are mostly harmless to humans. However, scratching the scalp excessively can lead to bleeding, which in turn increases the risk of microbial infection.

Human headlice infestation methods have been widely studied. The most common way headlice are spread is direct contact between two people, one of which is a carrier of headlice. Sharing personal articles such as helmets, pillows, combs, towels, hats and so on with headlice carriers is another way to spread infestation.

There are many treatments for the annoying itchiness and other problems these parasites cause people. Lice shampoo, aromatherapy, lice combs, and lice removal oils are helpful, and so are medications such as malathion, lindane, permethrin, pyethrins, and others.

Lice removal treatments include two distinct kinds of ingredients: active ingredients and passive ingredients. Thos ingredients which actually kill the headlice are called active ingredients. These contain chemical like malathion, lindane, permethrin, pyethrins etc. On the other hand, ingredients which help active ingredients perform their desired function, and increase the kill power of active ingredients are called inert ingredients. It goes without saying that natural remedies are definitely better than chemical formulations from health perspective. For permanent lice removal, good hair care is a must.