Elimax® │ What are head lice?

What are head lice?

Head lice are tiny parasites that live on people's scalps where they feed on their blood.  They cause itching, irritation and above all... a lot of discomfort. Lice are not a sign of poor hygiene. They affect everyone – young or old, clean or not.

Characteristics in brief

2-4 mm in size
you can see them with the naked eye

Colour
‍ sandy to dark grey – red after sucking blood

Nits
‍black to white-yellow, sticking to hair. Lice lay up to 8 nits a day

They cannot be shaken loose
good combing is crucial

Where do lice nest?

On the scalp
especially behind the ears and on the neck, where it is nice and warm

On textiles
‍such as hats, soft toys, and bedding

Indoors
‍such as on a sofa or cushions, nits survive for between 24 and 48 hours

What do they dislike?

Lice don't like the lice comb. Careful combing is their worst nightmare.

Braid, ponytail or bun? They find it difficult for them to move in there. Open, loose hair is much more attractive to a louse that wants to cross from head to head.

Lice find strong scents such as lavender oil, tea tree or eucalyptus unpleasant, but this does not always stop them effectively. The unique LPF formula in Elimax^® Preventive Shampoo does just that.

Once they leave the head, lice survive a maximum of 24-48 hours. They are completely dependent on a warm, furry home with food.

Tips for preventing lice:

Keep long hair in a ponytail, braidor bun
Ensure – as far as possible – that children do not sit or play too close together
Avoid swapping soft toys, caps, hats, scarves and coats
Do not share hairbrushes or towels after sports or swimming
Encourage parents to check and properly comb family members weekly

How does an outbreak of lice happen?

And how should we approach this? By talking about it without shame. Notify day care, school, sports club and playmates as soon as possible.

Facts and myths