Lice repellents: how to prevent lice in children?

Every year, after the summer holidays, the return to school begins and we must be aware that children do not bring home lice, since the heat and humidity of autumn and spring provide these parasites of the hair, the environment conducive to reproduction. In addition to these favorable conditions, th

Every year, after the summer holidays, the return to school begins and we must be aware that children do not bring home lice, since the heat and humidity of autumn and spring provide these parasites of the hair, the environment conducive to reproduction.

In addition to these favorable conditions, there is an agglomeration of children in closed places, such as schools, nurseries or nursery schools, which favors the contagion between them.

Prevent the appearance of lice

Contrary to what may seem, a strict hygiene such as daily shower can not prevent children from getting lice. Despite the common damages around dirt, today it is known that lice prefer a clean scalp to survive and reproduce because they find it easier to nibble for food.

Before the child begins to scratch his head, it is advisable to use one of the lice repellent products, called anti-lice, which are sold in pharmacies or drugstores. These products do not eliminate lice, but they repel them or prevent them from nesting in the head impregnated with the repellent.

Types of lice repellents

On the market, there are different products with different synthetic or natural compositions, which promise to help to ward off lice when they are impregnated in the hair. They can be purchased in spray or foam, and the pesticide acts effectively on the child's head for about 5 days as long as there is no moisture, since both sweat and water eliminate the effectiveness of the product. For this reason, it is recommended to apply it daily on dry hair before going to school.

1. Permitrin or natural pesticides such as pyrethrum (chrysanthemum extract). They are used to fight lice and nits. These products should not be used for preventive purposes. Pharmaceutical products with insecticides or pediculicides should never be used as a prevention when there are no live lice.

2. Citriodiol. It is a natural pesticide that has scientifically proven a potent and safe antiparasitic action, interfering with the pheromonal receptors of the parasite and emitting an olfactory message, which the louse interprets as a danger signal, which causes it to shun the bearer of the product. It can be found in spray and should be used on clean, dry and free of lice and nits hair, should be repeated every time it gets wet, moistened or washed.

3. Neem. Neem-based products (Neem tree) are indicated when there is a danger of lice infestation and serve as a preventive product. There is no problem of using Neem tree products daily.

How to prevent lice?

The main preventive measure against lice is to check the head of the children daily for the presence of lice. The nurse, the traditional barbed comb for lice, or the comb "milpuas", are very effective elements for this review, as well as to remove adult lice, pups and nits, if any. For this, it is essential that the space between the tines is very small (not exceeding 0.2 mm). In addition, metal lendreras are preferable for their rigidity.

And also:
1. Advise your children not to share and exchange personal items such as hats, pins, clothes, towels, brushes and combs.
2. Frequently disinfect combs and hair brushes in extra hot water and soap for 10 minutes or soak them in vinegar.
3. Frequently wash towels, clothing, bedding (pillows, sheets, and bedspreads) and sofa covers and cushions. Real 4. Perform a review of your children's heads at least once a week. The season back to school is the most common for the transmission of lice, so be especially careful at that time.
Tips to check children's hair

1. Moisten the hair and use a conditioner to easily untangle it. Thus, when passing the sling, there will be no jerks.

2. Have good lighting to see the possible lice and nits clearly. Tener 3. Have patience to check hair thoroughly, strand by strand, especially on the nape of the neck and behind the ears.
4. Clean the lancerera with water after checking each strand and with very hot water and soap or vinegar when finished. Se 5. It is advised that both the person who reviews and the person being reviewed look for the most comfortable posture possible because carrying the review takes time and requires patience.
Marisol Nuevo.
If you want to know more about lice we have prepared a series of videos of lice and pediculosis with an expert that will give you a lot of information about what they are, how to prevent them and how to treat them