Lice eggs are named nits. Lice have been a constant annoyance to people for centuries. When a human is infected with head lice, the lice feed on the skin and blood of the scalp. Other hairy locations can host lice, but they usually stay confined to the scalp. Lice lay their eggs and use their sticky saliva to fasten them to individual strands of hair. It can be really hard to get the nits off of your hair, usually requiring a special lice treatment. Several commercial methods are available.

The first step to take if someone has lice is to eliminate the external sources of the lice. Anything that comes into contact with the affected area, like sheets, combs, and pillow cases, should be removed. If the items are washable, they should be washed. If not, they should be placed in an air-tight container for at least two weeks. Then, you can begin treating the actual head.

The easiest way to tackle treating head lice is simple, just shave off the hair, not just a short trim, but an actual complete shave. If the problem is on the head than this may not be the most desirable alternative, since shaving the head can be less then desirable there are other alternatives to this tactic.

Other less invasive treatment also exists. A lice comb can be used to pick out the nits, but this treatment on its own is not sufficient. Those concerned for the environment prefer not to utilize pesticides that are available for lice treatment, as they are concerned about the potential affects of chemicals on the environment. Unfortunately natural solutions are generally unable to solve the problem of lice, and they may also be unregulated by the government with greater potential for harmful side effects.

The most used and doctor recommended solution is to use a chemical pesticide. The chemical commonly used is a 1% solution of permethrin or pyrethrin. This chemical attacks the lice through their lungs and kills them. As this is a pesticide, a doctor should be consulted before using one of these products. Chemical solutions normally need to be reapplied for a couple weeks afterwards. Also, combing the hair with a lice comb to remove the eggs is required. They are applied to dry hair and then only to the scalp area.

There are less orthodox methods out there as well. Combing an ordinary conditioner through the hair and leaving it on for 4 or more hours may be effective. It can weaken the ability of the lice to hold onto the hair and make the nits more easily seen. There are electric combs that are advertised to treat lice. Some people believe that lice are attracted to longer hair and keep a shorter hairstyle on those at risk. These methods of treating head lice are more recent and proper research has not been done to prove their effectiveness.

It is best to visit a doctor to help you sort through the many treatment options. A doctor can advise you on the level of intervention and treatment necessary to cure the infestation without jeopardizing your health.