How Head Lice Spread
WouterThe first step in preventing and treating head lice is to properly clean and disinfect the head. To kill off head lice, you can use an effective shampoo, such as one with pyrethrin, permethrin, or malathion. However, these products are not suitable for babies and young children, pregnant women, and people who are prone to allergic reactions to the chemicals. They are also harmful to the environment, and you should avoid using them if possible.
One of the most common ways that head lice spread is by sharing clothing, especially winter clothes. Head lice can survive for a few days on winter garments without a human host, and this means that if you share winter clothing with other children, you are likely to spread the infestation to other children. Similarly, you should be very careful when sharing hair accessories and clothing with others.
The best way to prevent head lice is to avoid sharing clothing and other personal items. Clothes can spread head lice, as the eggs are attached to hairs that have shed. Even if you’re not wearing clothes with head lice, you can still get the bug by sharing a hair brush, bedding, or towels.
To avoid spreading head lice, make sure to wash your clothes and personal items in hot water and detergent. Then, treat all household members, including pets, if possible. Avoid sharing hats, stuffed animals, or hair accessories with infected individuals. Also, be sure to wash any clothes and personal items thoroughly after each use. If you don’t have a washing machine, you can put them in the dryer on the hot cycle for 20 minutes. After washing, place them in a plastic bag for two weeks. You should also soak hairbrushes in hot water to kill lice.
