Learning of a head lice infestation at your child’s school or, worse still, discovering that your child has head lice can be concerning and upsetting.

Dealing with a Head Lice Outbreak

If you haven’t had to deal with head lice before, finding them on your child and in your home can lead to making rushed decisions without necessarily doing adequate research or planning the most effective course of action.

It’s worth remembering that a head lice infestation is no reason to panic. Lice are not known to spread diseases and itching is the only real health issue they cause. Head lice can occur on both clean and dirty hair, so should not be viewed as a reflection on personal hygiene, home environment, or social status.

 

Step 1: Knowing What Head Lice Are and What They Look Like

Head lice are tiny blood-sucking insects that live exclusively on humans, generally on the scalp, back of the head and behind the ears. They are particularly common on pre-school and primary school aged children. Head lice are a white to pale grey or brown in colour and around the size of a sesame seed. They live in all hair types – curly, straight, dyed or natural.

Head lice do not jump, hop or fly, they crawl. They are mainly transmitted via close head-to-head contact. They are most commonly transferred when children touch heads while playing in or outside of school or playing sport. Head lice can also be transferred when hats, hairbrushes and hair accessories are shared.

Nits are the head lice’s eggs. They are a yellow to white colour and are attached firmly to individual hairs close to the scalp.

 

Step 2: Learn the Life Cycle of Head Lice

In order to know how to effectively treat and prevent head lice infestations, it helps to understand their life cycle. Head lice can be found in the following forms:

• Nits are headlice eggs before they are hatched and are attached firmly around the base of individual hairs. The eggs hatch around one week after being laid. Nits can be mistaken for dandruff, but when examined closely they have an oval shape and can have a yellowish colour.

• Shortly after hatching, head lice (called nymphs) appear greyish white and are around the size of a sesame seed.

• Mature head lice are usually a brown colour and can be seen moving quickly within the hair or along the scalp when examined closely.

 

Step 3: Understanding the Signs & Symptoms of Head Lice Infestation

The first indication of a head lice infestation is generally itching and scratching the scalp or a tickling feeling of something moving in the hair. Children with head lice may appear irritable or have difficulty concentrating on tasks at school or at home. Parents may notice sores on their children’s heads from scratching, or lice droppings which appear as tiny black specs on clothing and pillowcases.

 

Step 4: Treating Head Lice with KP24

KP24 Medicated Range

KP24’s Medicated Range is strong and effective. It treats and controls head lice infestations and is for severe cases of head lice. Malathion, the active ingredient in the KP24 Medicated Range, has rapid pediculicidal and ovicidal properties which controls head lice and their eggs.

KP24 Medicated Lotion should be applied to dry hair and left in the hair for 8-12 hours in order to allow the treatment to coat the hair so that all lice and eggs are treated, and then rinsed out. The lotion dries fast so that there is no mess.

 KP24 Medicated Foam should be used on the hair after using the Medicated Lotion as directed. The foam should be applied to the hair, massaged in for five minutes, and left on for 30 minutes then rinsed out with warm water. The treatment can be repeated after seven days if necessary.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

 

KP24 Rapid Range

KP24’s Rapid Range is fast and effective. The head lice treatments take just 10-15 minutes and are pesticide-free.

KP24 Rapid is an effective way to kill head lice and their eggs. It should be massaged thoroughly onto the scalp and hair and left for ten minutes. Then a metal, fine-tooth comb, such as the bonus comb included in our Value Pack, should be used to remove dead lice and eggs before washing hair you’re your regular shampoo. .

KP24 Rapid Shampoo with LPF is the latest innovation in head lice treatments. The rapid formula kills head lice and their eggs, and the specially developed Lice Protection Factor (LPF) protects against reinfestation.

The product should be applied to hair, massaged thoroughly to cover the scalp and hair, then left on for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. The use the enclosed metal fine tooth comb to remove dead lice and eggs.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

 

KP24 Nit Bomb

KP24 Nit Bomb is insecticide-free and effectively kills head lice in a single treatment. The solution kills head lice at all developmental stages and eliminates nits in one hour.

KP24 Nit Bomb solution should be applied thoroughly to dry hair, covering the entire scalp and all hair from the root to the end. The scalp and hair should be saturated to ensure that all lice and nits are completely covered.

After the treatment has been applied, the hair should be covered with a shower cap for one hour – being sure to observe exposure time carefully.

Remove shower cap after one hour and wash hair thoroughly with water and shampoo. Then all lice and nits should be removed from hair using the included lice removal comb.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

 

Step 5: Preventing Head Lice with KP24

KP24 Head Lice Defence Spray works to deter head lice by emitting a natural oil blend fragrance formulation of eucalyptus, orange, cinnamon, tea tree and lavender oil. Apply spray before school or group activities. Fast, easy and safe to use. Apply daily for best results.

KP24 Anti-Lice Shampoo repels and prevents head lice infestations. The shampoo should be used on wet hair similarly to any traditional shampoo. Massage into the hair and scalp and leave on for two minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

It is recommended to use KP24 Anti-Lice Shampoo every three days to ensure protection.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.