How to Control Nits

Head lice is a contagious condition in which small insects reside on the scalp. In most cases, lice spreads due to close contact between individuals. It is particularly common in elementary schools, due to proximity of students. Controlling nits can be accomplished with just a few simple measures.

Things You'll Need

• Nit combs
• Soap
• Hot water
• Rubbing alcohol or Lysol
• Washing machine
• Vacuum

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Instructions

• 1

  Be alert for head lice symptoms. One way to control nits is by being aware of the situation from the very beginning. If you have a child that attends a school experiencing a head lice outbreak, look out for telltale symptoms such as restlessness, itchiness and the appearance of a black dandruff or powder on the shoulders, neck and on pillows and bedding.

• 2

  Examine your child's scalp closely and thoroughly, beginning behind the neck and moving to the front. If necessary, use a magnifying glass. Nits are grayish in color and are approximately 1/8th of an inch in length.

• 3

  Get rid of the eggs in the hair. Before using the nit comb, dab the comb in beeswax or in olive oil. Both of these substances can make the removal process significantly easier. Look for a sturdy metal comb as opposed to a plastic one, as it is stronger and therefore more responsive.

• 4

  Apply lice medication. Look for pediculicide which is specifically intended to kill lice. For longer hair, it might be beneficial to use two full bottles of the medication. Apart from pediculicide, other medicated options include cream rinses, shampoos and lotions. Both prescription and over-the-counter varieties are available.

• 5

  Change into clean attire post-lice treatment. It is also important to machine wash all infected clothing and bedding. Use detergent and hot water; A high temperature of a minimum of 150 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. For drying, utilize the hot cycle for a minimum of 20 minutes. Dry clean any clothing items that cannot be machined washed. These actions are helpful for stopping the nits from spreading to others.

• 6

  Repeat the combing procedure. To ensure that the lice is a thing of the past, thoroughly comb the hair with the metal comb once more. After using nit combs, soak them in either Lysol or rubbing alcohol for roughly one hour to deeply sterilize them. If you do not have Lysol or rubbing alcohol, wash the combs with hot water and soap and put them in the freezer for two days.

• 7

  Vacuum your furnishings and floor. With a lice infestation, there is no telling what parts of the house are infected. Thoroughly vacuum furniture, particularly sofas and easy chairs. Avoid use of fumigant sprays, which can be toxic.