Nits and Lice: What You Need To Know

Nits and Lice: What You Need To Know

A young boy with a facemask is getting a haircut.

Nits and lice are a common problem for kids, but adults are not exempt from them either. Thankfully, lice infestations are no longer a panic situation. In fact, these common pests can easily be treated at home. Here are all the things you need to know about nits and lice:

Lice Vs. Fleas

Lice are a lot like fleas. They are tiny wingless parasites. However, lice can not jump from one host to another, unlike fleas. Fleas also typically feed on non-human hosts, although they can infest humans too, whereas lice specifically live on human blood. 

Fleas can also live without any host for up to 100 days, while lice can not survive without a host for more than a day or two. Flea bites may also appear like tiny scabs, have a red spot in the middle, and look a lot like bed bug bites. Lice will also be more visible if you do get an infestation, and if they are present for quite a while, the skin may thicken and darken in the affected area.

Where Do Lice and Nits Come From?

Lice lay eggs (called nits) on the scalp, which hatch and feed on the blood of the host. They are also transferred from one person to another through sharing combs, close contact with a person infected with lice, and through sharing other personal items. There are also different types of lice. Here are the most common types:

  • Head Lice - Head lice settle and feed on the blood from the scalp. This is common in children that cause itchiness.
  • Body Lice - Body lice don’t live only on the human body, but on clothing as well. Body lice are known to spread diseases like trench fever. 
  • Pubic Lice - These are the tiniest types of lice, and are transferred usually by sexual intercourse. They live in the hair of genitalia and cause irritation.

How to Check Yourself for Lice

These are the most common signs and symptoms for lice infestation:

  • Itching on the scalp, ears, and neck
  • Tickling and feeling unusual movement on your hair 
  • Visible nits (lice eggs)
  • Soreness from scratching on areas like scalp, nape, and shoulders
  • Visible lice — Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed

The Best Lice Treatment Options

Lice removal is now easier because of the abundance of treatments available to treat lice. Here are quick and easy ways to treat lice infestation:

  • Head Lice Shampoo - WIth an everyday-use lice shampoo, you can help avoid infestation and a possible re-infestation. One of the best (and more importantly - non-toxic) daily lice shampoos for kids and adults is available from Licefreee.
  • Head Lice Spray - Removing super lice and nits on contact is just a spritz away. One of the most convenient ways to remove lice and nits, indeed. Licefreee Spray uses natural and homeopathic solutions for effectively killing lice nits.
  • Lice and Nit Comb - A natural lice treatment, using a fine-toothed comb. Doing this can take long periods to finish, and it is also laborious. Although, if you opt in for this traditional method of removing lice, Licefreee NitDuo is the best tool you can use. 
  • Professional Lice Removal - You may also seek help from professionals by booking an appointment at a local nit-picking clinic. For comprehensive lice removal, check out the Licefreee Kit, complete with comb, gel, root applicator, and daily maintenance shampoo — an easy-to-follow package for effective removal of (super) lice and nits.
  • Home Treatment - An extensive way to ensure your home is free of lice. Cleaning and treating your home ensures no lice live on your furniture, mattress, and other non-washable surfaces. Licefreee Home Spray for Furniture uses an active ingredient derived from orange peels giving it a pleasant scent, and is non-staining.

Quick Tip

Since lice spread commonly through sharing combs, make sure to clean your lice combs thoroughly. Here’s how to properly clean your comb:

  • Wash your comb with soap and water and thoroughly brush it.
  • Boil water then place your comb in water for 10 minutes
  • Carefully remove once the water has cooled

LiceFreee Gets Rid of Super Lice and Their Eggs

Although a case of lice is a common event, it’s never a pleasant one to experience. And while lice infestations are most common in children, anyone can get them, so whether it comes to protecting yourself or your loved ones, you want to make sure that you have the right tools to get the job done quickly and effectively.

Licefreee is a safe, effective, non-toxic alternative to traditional lice treatments containing chemical pesticides. In 1999 we launched our Original Non-toxic lice treatment,  Licefreee gel, and have expanded our product line in the last two decades while still maintaining our reputation as one of the most trusted and reliable products on the market. If you or someone you know is dealing with head lice, don’t wait, and pick up some Licefreee today!