How to Prevent and Treat Head Lice
WouterThe best way to prevent head lice is to avoid sharing personal items and not to have direct contact with those who have lice. This also means treating any members of the household that may have come in contact with the infected person. It is especially important not to share hats, stuffed animals, or other items that your child may use to contact people. Instead, wash these items thoroughly in hot water and dry them on a high-heat cycle. For items that can’t be washed, seal them in a plastic bag and keep them away from children for at least two weeks. In addition, soaking hairbrushes in hot water and drying them in a dryer is an effective way to kill lice and their eggs.
Head lice are easily passed from one person to another, especially inside the house. For this reason, it is important to treat your child as soon as they are suspected of having head lice. Also, try to limit head-to-head contact between your child and others at home and at school. When your child comes in contact with a person who had lice, you should check their hair for lice and make sure it is clean. If you see any nits, you should treat the head lice immediately.
Another method to treat head lice is to use a non-pesticide treatment. This type of product contains a silicone based material that interferes with the lice’s ability to manage water. This method is recommended for children two years of age and older. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and contact your health care provider if the lice continue to appear.
