More than three-quarters of parents have experienced head lice in their household1 so it makes sense to be prepared. Perhaps you’re waiting for a tell-tale sign that head lice have taken up residence: scratching or consistent complaints about an itchy scalp, for example. These are the symptoms often expected in relation to head lice, but the surprising truth is, the majority of infestations are asymptomatic. Also contrary to popular opinion, head lice are not fussy and will hitch a ride regardless of a person’s age, gender, race, social class, hair type or cleanliness. Certainly, head lice most commonly affect children aged three to 11, but the condition can be passed to anyone through head-to-head contact2.
This is why checking for head lice is so important. Before you start, it is handy to know what you’re looking for. Head lice are small, wingless insects that tend to be a whitish-brown shade. Each of a louse’s six legs end in a claw, although this is likely imperceptible. Head lice eggs, or nits, are oval-shaped and about the size of a pinhead. They could easily be mistaken for dandruff, residue from hair products or other debris, except nits stick firmly to the hair shaft3. They are most visible around the ears and the neck4.
A review published in the medical journal Deutsches Ärzteblatt found that inspection alone is not enough to diagnose head lice. Instead, the authors citied the ‘wet combing’ technique as the best method5. Easily performed at home, wet combing describes the systematic fine-tooth combing of well-conditioned hair. A product that can be used for this method is MOOV Head Lice Combing Conditioner, which comes with a MOOV Head Lice Removal Comb. Containing natural essential oils, MOOV Head Lice Combing Conditioner helps detangle and lubricate the hair, allowing for easy detection and removal of head lice infestations. And the comb, with its precisely aligned steel teeth, will make the job of detection even easier.
To use, apply a generous amount of MOOV Head Lice Combing Conditioner to dry or wet hair and massage into the scalp before dividing the hair into segments. From the scalp, thoroughly comb each segment, wiping combings onto a tissue as you go. Check the comb and tissue for lice and eggs, and if head lice are detected, a treatment product such as MOOV Head Lice Solution or MOOV Head Lice Shampoo, both clinically proven to kill lice and eggs, can then be used5,6.
Click here for more information on MOOV Head Lice Solution or MOOV Head Lice Shampoo.
When your child does not have head lice but you want to help prevent them, apply MOOV Head Lice Defence Spray, a daily leave-in conditioner to help guard against head lice over an eight-hour period. Checking hair regularly with the wet-combing method will help detect head lice as soon as possible and therefore lead to it being treated.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly talk to your health professional.
