Lice outbreaks are a frequent reality at SA schools with high numbers of children being booked off regularly.
Lice is such a common scourge world-wide that the media has recently reported on infestations at such high profile sites such as Number 10 Downing Street (the British Prime Minister’s residence) and even the home of pop icon Madonna.
Head lice are small wingless parasites that feed on tiny amounts of blood. Lice bites cause itching which result in skin irritation and even infection.
Giulia Criscuolo, responsible pharmacist for OTC Pharma which produces the nature-based Picksan Lice Stop shampoo, says everyone is at risk as head lice are extremely contagious. However, children aged three to 12 years are most prone as they often play very close together.
Head lice is spread by coming into direct contact with someone who is already infected with lice and also by sharing hats, towels, pillows, combs or brushes with an infected person. Though they can't fly or jump, these tiny parasites have specially adapted claws which allow them to crawl and cling to hair, says Criscuolo.
Despite being tiny, lice can be seen by the naked eye. Lice eggs or nits look like small yellow, tan or brown dots before they hatch, often mistaken for dandruff. Nits are laid on the hair shaft close to the skin’s surface where they are kept warm until they hatch within a week or two.
Once hatched, the lice, or nymphs, turn a greyish-white or tan colour and are no bigger than a sesame seed. The nymphs become adult lice two weeks after hatching, feeding on blood several times a day. Nymphs can survive up to two days off the scalp without food.
Once bitten, itching and scratching commences, leading to small red bumps or sores. The irritation varies from mild to a painful rash where there is excessive scratching, often leading to bacterial infections.
There are many anti-lice products, with most containing potentially harmful chemicals or insecticides such as pyrethrin or permethrin. These powerful chemicals may lead to burning and cases have been reported of permeation into the scalp.
Nature-based remedies are becoming increasingly popular and have proved effective. “Apart from the dangers to the skin, lice can become resistant to chemical products, making natural products safer and effective for longer,” says Criscuolo.
Dermatologically tested Picksan Lice Stop shampoo contains natural active ingredients, including the patented MelAza extract. The MelAza extract comprises a special neem seed extract. Neem seed oil has been used in Indian Ayurveda to treat lice for thousands of years.
Picksan Lice Stop shampoo is gentle on the hair, soft on the scalp, has a pleasant scent and has been voted among the best quality anti-lice shampoos in Europe.
Picksan Lice Stop shampoo is available in all health shops, pharmacies, Dis-Chem, Clicks, Pick n Pay and Medi-Rite.
Read more about Picksan products. Email info@otcpharma.co.za or call Giulia Criscuolo on: 0861998880.
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