Effective treatments for head lice and scalp conditions

It can be upsetting if you have lice in your hair or have an itchy scalp. You may feel uncomfortable and worried about what others might think. But don't worry! These problems are common and can be easily treated.

Figuring out what's wrong with your scalp is the first step to getting better. Sometimes, what looks like lice might be dandruff, or a dry scalp could be something more serious. It's important to know the difference and how to treat each problem correctly.
So, let’s discuss what causes them, how to spot them, and the most effective ways to get rid of them.

What Are Head Lice?

Head lice are tiny bugs, about as minor as a sesame seed, that live in people's hair. They can't jump or fly - they can only crawl from one head to another. These bugs lay eggs (called nits) that stick tightly to hair strands, usually close to the scalp where it's warm. 

How Do You Know If You Have Lice?

• Itchy scalp: You feel a lot of itching, especially around your neck and behind your ears.
• Tiny white dots: You might see tiny white eggs stuck to your hair.
• Lice crawling: You might spot tiny bugs moving in your hair (they move quickly and don't like light).
• Sensitive scalp: Your scalp might feel extra sensitive or tingly.

How Do Lice Spread?
Lice mainly spreads when people's heads touch. This can happen when:

• Kids play together or hug.
• People share things like hats, scarves, or hair clips.
• They use someone else's comb or brush.
  

Medical Treatments For Head Lice

1. Over-the-Counter Lice Shampoos (Permethrin): These are special shampoos you can buy without a prescription. They contain a medicine called permethrin that kills lice by attacking their nervous system, and they're usually the first treatment doctors recommend because they're safe.
2. Pyrethrin-Based Products: These treatments come from chrysanthemum flowers and work similarly to permethrin. They're suitable for people who can't use permethrin.
3. Prescription Lotion (Malathion): This is a stronger medicine your doctor can prescribe if regular treatments aren't working. It kills both lice and eggs but contains alcohol and is flammable, so it must be used carefully.
4. Benzyl Alcohol Lotion: This medicine suffocates the lice rather than poisoning them. It's perfect for people who want to avoid harsh chemicals.
5. Spinosad Suspension: This newer prescription treatment kills both lice and their eggs. It works well and usually only needs to be used once.
6. Ivermectin Lotion: It is one of the most potent treatments available by prescription. It's usually saved for cases where other treatments haven't worked. It kills lice by paralysing them. 
   

Natural and Home Remedies for Head Lice

If you prefer using natural methods to treat head lice, there are several home remedies that many people find helpful. 

1. Wet Combing (Bug Busting): This method uses a special fine-toothed metal comb (nit comb) to remove lice and eggs from wet hair. You'll need to comb the entire head section by section.
2. Coconut oil: Gently warm and apply coconut oil to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 8 hours or overnight, covering your hair with a shower cap. Then, a special nit comb is used to remove the lice and their eggs carefully.
3. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil may help keep lice away. You can add a few drops with your regular shampoo or conditioner. To help prevent lice, add 10 drops of tea tree oil with 2 ounces of water in a spray bottle and use it on your hair.
4. Apple cider vinegar: It can help loosen lice eggs from your hair. Mix equal amounts of vinegar and water. Apply this mixture to your hair, paying close attention to your scalp. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, a special 'nit comb' comb was used to remove the lice and eggs.
   

Common Scalp Conditions

Scalp problems can happen to anyone, regardless of age or hair type. It's important to understand common scalp issues. Here are some of the most common scalp problems people experience:

• Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis): Dandruff, also called Seborrheic Dermatitis, occurs when your scalp becomes too oily or dry. This causes skin cells to clump together and fall off in flakes. You might see white or greyish flakes on your shoulders.
• Regular Dry Scalp: A dry scalp occurs when the scalp lacks moisture. This can make the scalp feel tight and itchy. The flakes from a dry scalp are usually smaller and whiter than those from dandruff.
• Scalp psoriasis: It is a condition that causes thick, scaly patches on your scalp. These patches can look silvery-white or red and often feel itchy and uncomfortable.
• Fungal Infections (Tinea Capitis): This is known as scalp ringworm. It isn't a worm but a fungal infection that causes round, itchy patches on your scalp. These patches might be red, scaly, and swollen and can lead to hair loss in the affected areas.
• Folliculitis: This happens when the tiny holes where your hair grows become infected. This can cause small, red bumps on your scalp that look like pimples. These bumps might itch or hurt and have a small white tip, like a pimple.
  

Treatment Options for Scalp Conditions

There are many ways to treat scalp problems, but the proper treatment depends on what's causing the issue. Here are some of the main things you can try:

1. Medicated Shampoos: Anti-dandruff shampoos with zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide help control flaking and itching.
2. Tar-Based Shampoos: These special shampoos work well for psoriasis and severe dandruff by slowing down skin cell growth.
3. Tea Tree Oil Shampoos: Natural tea tree oil shampoos can help with mild scalp problems and have antifungal properties.
   
4. Steroid Creams or Lotions: Doctors can prescribe these for severe itching and inflammation from eczema or psoriasis.
5. Antifungal Medications: These treat fungal infections and come as creams, shampoos, or pills for severe cases.
6. Antihistamine Pills: These help reduce itching from allergic reactions and dermatitis.
   

Some Prevention Tips

Few steps can save you from the discomfort of head lice. Have a look:

• Keep hair tied back: Braids or buns can help reduce contact with other people's hair.
• Add tea tree oil: Mix a little with your regular shampoo.
• Check your hair often: Use a special ‘nit comb’ to look for lice eggs, especially if someone you know has lice.
  

How To Maintain Scalp Health?

Your scalp is like the soil for your hair. Like healthy soil helps plants grow strong, a healthy scalp helps your hair thrive. Here are some simple ways to keep your scalp happy:

• Use a gentle shampoo on your scalp (oily, dry, or normal).
• Use warm water, not too hot water, to wash your hair. Hot water can irritate your scalp.
• Don't scratch your scalp, even if it itches. Gently massage it instead.
• Don't share brushes, combs, or hair accessories to prevent the spreading of scalp problems.
• Eat healthy foods with vitamins A, C, and E to help your scalp and hair grow strong.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Protect your scalp from the sunlight by wearing a hat or using hair products with SPF.
• Try to relax and reduce stress. Stress can cause scalp problems, including hair loss.
  

You may also like to read: Can stress cause dandruff? Exploring the connection between stress and dandruff

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your scalp is easy and doesn't take much time. Be gentle with your scalp and watch for problems like dandruff or head lice. There are many ways to treat scalp issues. What works for one person might not work for you, so try different things until you find what's best for your scalp.