Lice become adults about a week or two after they hatch and can live up to a month on the scalp. They are said to be about the size of a sesame seed with a gray, white or tan coloring. But baby lice are smaller, making them even harder to spot. Untreated lice will continue to regenerate in three-week intervals.
Parents who have seen lice will tell you that scratching is a common sign. That’s because these critters bite, which can cause discomfort. Kidshealth.org warns that itching may not appear for a number of weeks after infestation, depending on the child. However, kids may still feel something strange. Further, you may notice bumps or sores.
To look for lice, divide your child’s hair into sections and comb through each chunk with a fine-tooth comb. You might want to use both a magnifying glass and a flashlight in this process. This will help spot lice.
If you do discover lice, take action immediately. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lice must be treated. Plus, you’ll want to check others for lice infestation, including friends, family members and others with whom your child has come into contact.
Effective Lice Treatment
The CDC says that some lice treatments (also called pediculicides) wipe out eggs but may take one or more treatments once eggs have hatched. All items that have come into contact with lice should be washed in hot water and dried on high heat. Generally, lice and lice eggs die after five minutes of exposure to a temperature of 128.3 degrees Fahrenheit or more.
For things that can’t be washed, seal them in plastic bags for two weeks. After this time, they can be dry cleaned. And be sure to vacuum any areas where a person with lice has been. This includes both carpeted areas and furniture.