Doctor gives tips on how to fight head lice – 04/24/2023 – Health

Autumn usually brings extra concern for parents and guardians of school-aged children. At that time, there is a frequent increase in cases of capillary pediculosis, as the infestation by lice in the hair and scalp is called.

According to the SBD (Brazilian Society of Dermatology), the condition is more common in children, who share objects and have close contact during games and hugs. Adolescents and adults, however, are not immune to the problem, which requires specific care.

The first measure, says Violeta Tortelly, a member of the Hair and Nails department at SBD, is to try to ward off the risk of infestation. The doctor recommends leaving the hair tied up to make it difficult for the insect to pass through and actively examining the scalp, regardless of itching.

Not sharing clothes, towels and accessories and avoiding touching other people’s head or hair are also forms of prevention.

Another care is to pay attention to the signs of itching. As the act of scratching does not always occur in front of parents or guardians, it is important to check for redness and small scratches on the scalp and especially on the back of the neck.

“It’s not always an absurd itch. Sometimes, it seems that they are playing with the hair, they are mild itches. But it is the first sign”, says Tortelly.

It is right at the beginning that the fine-tooth comb should come in, always after untangling the hair and taking care to prevent the search from becoming a moment of pain or distress. “First, you need to untangle the hair with a normal comb because, when there are knots, the fine-tooth comb can break the hair a lot, end up hurting and turning the situation into a trauma for the child”, says the doctor.

If the hair is straight, the fine-toothed comb can be passed on both dry and wet strands. As for afro and curly hair, the guideline is to comb the wet strands and untangle them, if necessary after applying the conditioner.

Brushing the hair this way will help remove the lice, but the nits may remain. To remove them, a tip from the doctor is to make a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% warm water. The combination must be applied all over the hair and it optimizes the passage of the fine-toothed comb.

Another way to deal with nits is to use a flat iron on your hair. Tortelly explains that the high temperature kills the eggs, but points out that the practice should always be carried out with dry hair and with care not to burn the scalp. “It’s an option to help those patients who have one infestation after another, when we can’t contain the nits with medication alone.”

The remedies available on the market, adds the dermatologist, have different mechanisms of action, and the indication varies by greater or lesser potential for allergy and the size of the infestation. “In general, I recommend medication along with hygiene measures because it is very difficult to be sure that all the lice and nits are removed.”

The doctor claims that the remedies are safe, unlike practices such as the use of insecticides on the scalp, which can cause intoxication. Applying oil to the hair, such as coconut oil, is also a measure that may not work.

Finally, she points out that it is not enough to take care of the hair. It is necessary to wash with a brush all hats, caps, tiaras and scarves used during the period. Cleaning is one way to ensure the elimination of any remaining parasites.