How Easily Can Head Lice Spread?

To prevent head lice infestations, you should vacuum your floors and clean your furniture. You may also want to use a phenol solution, such as Lysol(r) to kill the lice. Avoid sharing combs and brushes with people who have head lice, and do not share towels or hats. You should also keep furniture, carpet, and car seats clean and dry. However, you should not use insecticides, fumigants, or insecticide sprays in your home. These products can be toxic when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

In addition to not sharing towels, clothing, and hairbrushes, you should ensure that your child has a separate brush and comb. This way, they will not share the same hairbrush or combs with other people. Similarly, if your child is in sports, make sure they have their own sports gear. It is also a good idea to ensure that they do not share sports equipment and clothing.

Adult lice are small reddish-brown insects, about 1/16 inch in length. They are found in the hair around the ears and behind the neck. They can be hard to spot, so it is important to use a magnifying glass or a bright light to identify the lice. Lice eggs are often accompanied by a white dandruff or hair cast, but you will not be able to tell if you have head lice if you don’t have these eggs on your head.

To stop head lice from spreading, you can use a pediculicide. These medications come in liquid or lotion form. The different formulations contain different ingredients, including permethrin or pyrethrin. These two ingredients are effective against lice, but they may not be effective against the eggs.