What should I do if I suspect my child has head lice?
Don’t panic! Check for signs of head lice. It is important to check where there is good lighting and use magnification if possible. Separate and part the hair to expose the hair shaft close to the scalp. Check the entire head, paying close attention to behind the ears, back of head along the neckline, and the crown of the head. You are looking for signs of lice: nits (eggs) on the hair shaft close to scalp, small red marks on the scalp and/or back of neck, and sightings of live lice.
Do you need to treat every member of the house?
No. Only members that have an active case of head lice need to be treated.
Is head lice a sign of uncleanliness?
No! Head lice do not discriminate. They get along with everyone.
What cleaning is required?
We recommend washing items that have been in direct contact with head and hair in the past 48 hours. Combs, brushes and hair accessories can be washed in hot, soapy water and sterilized in boiling water. Hats, pillowcases, etc. can be washed in hot water and dried on the hot cycle of a clothes dryer for 30 minutes. Items that cannot be washed can be put in freezer for 48 hours or bagged and put aside for 7-10 days.
Are there any preventative measures?
Limit the sharing of personal items such as combs, hair accessories, hats, helmets, etc. Try to avoid head-to-head contact during play and keep long hair tied back. Do regular lice screening.
What should I do if my child keeps getting head lice?
Lice can be persistent. If your child has reoccurring lice infestations it is usually due to:
- Not all the nits (eggs) were removed.
- The treatment you are using is ineffective.
- Re-exposure to someone with an ongoing infestation, particularly if all affected family members are not identified / treated at the same time.
Do I really need a second visit?
Yes! The first treatment will remove live lice and mature nits. But there will still be some remaining microscopic nits that were not removed due to their small size. The remaining nits will mature in about 7 days. It is very important to repeat the treatment to remove those nymphs before they mature into adults and are able to lay eggs.
Should I keep my child home from school or camps?
No, it is not necessary to keep your child at home unless there is policy at the school or camp that differs. Remind your child not to share personal items such as combs, hair accessories, hats, helmets, etc. Try to avoid head-to-head contact during play. Keep long hair tied back.
