Whenever we talk about treating head lice, sooner or later the subject of nits is sure to come up. Everyone knows that head lice are small grayish insects seen around the scalp. They are moving and although tiny, are easy to spot. A nit, however, is smaller and far less conspicuous. Recognizing and dealing with them is a critically Important part of successful lice treatment.

When going through the hairline, remember to search for all of the eggs or "nits." These small white pellets will be tightly integrated between the hairline and each individual follicle. These bits cannot be eliminated through regular brushing or combing of the hair. They are also completely static, and cause no secondary symptoms until they hatch. Every single one must be killed or removed, as a single nit can start the process again.

The best way to get them out is to buy a specialized comb for nit removal. Unlike normal combs, these combs feature teeth that are so closely spaced that they will scrape out and remove nits. First use a shampoo to kill any live lice in the hair, then use the comb to separate nits from hair. You must literally check each strand for remaining nits. A lice treatment may kill many of the nits along with the lice, but you can never assume that it has killed them all.

It is critical to take away the nits even if you will use mayonnaise or petroleum jelly, items which are harmless. Many lice will be produced once they are not taken or removed while in egg stage. Nits are supposed to be washed out to a drain or to be contained in a tightly closed container because they can survive several days after they have been taken away from the scalp.

A nit that happens to fall off into your bed linens, your furnishings, your garments, or your child's plush toys can lay its eggs there. The house must be vacuumed throughout and all possible items washed and dried. Steam cleaning can also be useful. Whatever you cannot clean must be wrapped in a closed sack for approximately 21 days.

Keep checking your child's hair and scalp for a few weeks following initial treatment. This is because nits can live through the various treatments that were taken to kill the lice. Check the entire head carefully to make sure none are left. They can be difficult to see. Even one remaining in the hair can cause a recurrence.