September is declared as the Head Lice Prevention Month. As we are all aware of, having head lice (kuto) is common in children. But it must also be noted that even adults can be infested with head lice, as well as, those who have a very good hygiene can still be invaded by these stubborn head lice.
Personally, I was once infected with head lice during my elementary days. I can still remember when my mom used to comb my hair using the traditional and very popular fine-tooth comb (suyod). Some of my classmates during those times also shared that their parents used gas on their hairs to kill the lice, while others were shaved, as in totally shaved to get rid of their lice.
Before, I really thought only kids can be infested by lice until lately when I discovered that Sam and I got head live, too! Immediately, I went to Sam’s pediatrician and asked advice on how to treat head lice, especially with Sam and that’s when the pedia recommended LiceAliz.
I’ve learned that LiceAliz is an effective anti-head lice shampoo that is made of natural ingredients — from extracts of chrysanthemum flowers. Its active ingredient is pyrethrin, a proven treatment for getting rid of head lice and nits. LiceAliz is safe to use for adults and children
Just this September 8, 2016, my blogger friends and I attended the #LicealizNationwide Oplan Alis Kuto at Bagong Nayon 1 Elementary School in Antipolo. The students and parents of this school joined the activities prepared for them by LiceAliz through the efforts of Lamoiyan Corporation (maker of Licealiz head lice treatment shampoo) in partnership with the Mother and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines (MCNAP) and supported by the UP Manila College of Public Health. These joint efforts is called “the Kilusang Kontra Kuto” – an educational movement seeking to spread awareness about lice infestation issues and prevent and treat head lice.
Anyway, during this event, I have learned a lot about lice and how to get rid of it appropriately, as well as, prevent it from coming back. These are the most important facts I learned:
- Getting a short haircut does not guarantee a lice-free head. Lice feed from the blood in the scalp and not from the hair.
- Lice just crawl; they are NOT capable of “jumping” or flying, as opposed to what we were told (that lice can fly) – they just crawl from one hair strand to another going to the scalp to feed from our blood
- Lice can live up to 3 days even away from our scalp!
- Having a good personal hygiene does not spare you from getting infected by lice based on the study conducted by the Kid’s Health Organization,
- Using a fine-tooth combed can get rid of some lice but NOT all, thus it is recommended to use Licealiz head lice treatment shampoo to be surely get rid of the stubborn lice
- Lice spread through direct contact especially during kid’s playtime where their heads get too close and the transfer of lice is much faster and easier
“A study by the DepEd in 2009 estimated that 8 million public school students aged 7 to 12 years old* were infested with head lice,” as stated by Dr. Arlene Bertuso, an entomologist and professor from the UP Manila College of Public Health. He also added that head lice can live for up to 30 days in a human head and that female lice can lay up to 100 eggs in their lifetime.
Having head lice is not a life-threatening condition, but the psychological effect on the affected person, especially with children, can last for a life-time as they are prone to bullying and teasing that some of them want to miss school because they are ashamed or afraid of being bullied or teased by other kids.
“Nurses all over the Philippines, especially those assigned in schools, commonly encounter children with kuto,” shared Balbina Borneo, President of the MCNAP. “Because this problem easily affects a huge number of people, I can say that kuto really is a social concern that needs to be addressed by the whole community.” She also advised that “We have to take action in keeping our households kuto free through simple activities like avoiding sharing of combs, towels and other materials that touch the hair, as lice spreads through physical contact with infested objects. We should regularly replace our beddings and pillowcases to avoid the transfer of lice.”
Celebrity mom Love Añover also shared her experience dealing with head lice and another effective solution she discovered to fight it – Licealiz head lice treatment shampoo.
“We were very careful with my daughter’s hygiene and surroundings, so I couldn’t believe it when she started scratching her head. Sure enough, we found head lice! We didn’t think it was possible for my daughter to get head lice given how young she was at the time, but eventually we found out that she got them from our household help. When I was a child, we only used suyod, which was quite inefficient in getting all the lice out. For my daughter, we wanted to try something clinically tested and proven in removing lice. We tried Licealiz head lice treatment shampoo and after two weeks of use, my child was lice-free!” she shared
Activations ambassador Dr. Maria Michelle Vita, who travels with the Licealiz team and gives lectures to parents of public school students about head lice prevention and treatment, has this to say about the program. “We formed the Kilusang Kontra Kuto to help stop the spread of misinformation about kuto and to remove the stigma associated with being infested. Kuto is a public health problem that can be solved with the help of everyone from the community.” explained Dr. Vita.
This Head Lice Prevention Month, Licealiz invites everyone to join the Kilusang Kontra Kuto in changing the public’s perception about kuto infestation and spreading correct information regarding head lice prevention and treatment.
For the effective treatment of head lice using Licealiz, it is recommended to be used 2x a week to get rid of them and 1x a week to prevent them from coming back. It is also important to regularly check and change personal belongings such as comb, pillows, towels and beddings, among others
For more information on lice prevention, visit Licealiz’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/licealiz.
