Headlice (merged)

tosca5

The problem is so bad because it is caused by mothers who don't treat their kids properly. They think it's a case of slapping a lotion on washing it off, problem solved. It takes nights of combing and nit picking, the eggs are a nightmare to get out the hair.
Touch wood my daughter who is 8 hasn't had nits for 6 months, before that it was a constant battle, you'd just get the hair clear and weeks later the nits were back.
I've tried everything, even the zapper, it was all rubbish. The best thing i found was olive oil, it clogs the nit's airways and its so much easier to get them out they can't cling on so good with hair soaked in oil.
Hair straightners are great as well, fry's the little !!!!!!s.
All the lotions are covered under 'child minor ailments' so people can't say they can't afford the stuff, they can get it free.

3KIDSNOMONEY

Thanks for all the replies - nits are so annying aren't they? I sent a letter to my daughters teacher asking him to inform other parents but so far nothing has been sent home - meanwhile the nits are spreading about. My kids have had worms in the past - despite me constantly washing their hands, using wipes everywhere, etc. so nits are nothing compared to worms. But it is the same sort of thing, where some parents either don't check (look out for signs) or just don't care that their kids have these things and are spreading them about. They are probably the same people who let their dogs poo everywhere without cleaning this up. I have spoke to the council about the dog mess problem - but alas - so far no improvement - in fact it is worse and i have stopped going on my local park as it is horrendous. They should be dishing out hefty fines and eventually removing animals in my opinion - or is that too harsh?

Great to have this board to have a moan on and get tips on getting rid of nasties - I have since tried the straightening idea and am going to do it once a week on my 10 year old who doesn't like me to check her hair in the bath anymore like i do with my younger ones.

loobylou2

Thanks for all the suggestions, I really appreciate them. Think I will try straighteners next and see if I can fry them!!!. Theres nothing worse than having to drag a lice comb through the hair of a protesting child though is there. I suppose I"m lucky really because my 8 year old has got used to me doing it, I've done it so many times now and the 2 year old just fell asleep when I was going through her hair!!!

kippers

Well i just really wanted to sound off as my eldest girl (aged 9) has nits again! She has caught them so many times (seems like hundreds of times) since she starting school but this time we have managed to go just over a year without them (it was in October 2006 on my 40th birthday that i last discovered them)!

I have just spent the last two hours nit combing with the conditioner (my girls have long thick hair) and i have all the bedding etc in the wash or on the washing line and i am waiting for my hubby to come home so he can nit comb me and i can nit comb him!

I just really wanted to sound off. I get so fed up and angry about nits. If everyone nit combed properly (or for some-nit combed at all) then nits would die out.

Bring back the nit nurse!

(I feel better now i've had a moan)

noonesperfect

Hi Kippers
have you looked into the possibility of Neem shampoo? It's very gentle no chemicals but insects of all sorts, especially nits keep well clear of neem as they don't like the smell. Neem shampoo smells ok though, not medicated smell or anything.

kippers

Not tryed Neem shampoo, i've never seen it. I have tried every other thing possible, repellent spray, tea tree shampoo conditioner, tea tree oil, tight plaits etc, they just seem to love my daughters long thick hair. I also have to keep away from certain things as my daughter and hubby have asthma.

Where do you get Neem shampoo from?

By the way, sorry if it seems like i was moaning in my first post

noonesperfect

As you've got an "active infestation" so to speak, I would go for this shampoo from Neem genie

http://www.neemgenie.co.uk/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=HA02

However, he does sell other shampoos which cost a bit less and repel headlice/nits.

If the product fails to work you have a money back guarantee, and neem is as safe as honey. There are no really potent smells (to exacerbate asthma) but if you're concerned at all, David (neem genie), I'm told, is a fountain of knowledge and will gve you honest answers not a sales pitch!

EverDecreasingCircles

Comb with the nit comb EVERY time you wash her hair, that way you catch any stray ones that she may have picked up at school before they lay eggs. Also, do you tie her hair up when at school? Unfortunately little girls do love to get their heads together.

Jen

Tracey04

I get free stuff from Boots chemist on their passport scheme, and its brilliant. Dont think you have to be on WFTC just stops people clogging up the doctors waiting rooms.

teddy69

Not sure if you're aware of it or not but if you go to a pharmacy that is allowed to write a prescription for minor ailments you can ask them to write you a prescription for nit treatment and get it for free.

Obviously they need to see your child and see that they actually have nits. Only problem is that they can only prescribe certain types, e.g. full marks, so you only get the chemical versions.

But while you are there also ask for a Nitty Gritty nit comb, again you can get it on prescription so its free. I have found that this is the best one to use.

Unfortunately my daughter goes to school with a couple of kids that don't regularly de-nit so I'm forever de-nitting her. I condition comb every time I wash her hair which keeps them at bay but occasionally they do get out of control and I have to resort to the chemicals (fortunately not very often).

Good luck!