What Can I Use to Prevent Head Lice?

There are a variety of products on the market that kill lice and nits. Some of these treatments are more effective than others. However, the active ingredients in these products can be harsh and can cause skin irritation. You should always check your child’s scalp after a treatment to ensure that lice are dead.

If your child is exhibiting symptoms of head lice, you should consider contacting the school nurse. Many schools have a policy that prevents children with lice from going back to school. However, most pediatricians now recommend that children with lice stay at school until all symptoms have passed, and then go home to receive treatment. It is also important to keep long hair in buns, braids, or a ponytail to minimize head-to-head contact.

Another important step is to keep children away from other children and their belongings. Try not to share clothing, towels, combs, headphones, and bandanas. Also, make sure your child doesn’t share pillows or blankets with others. Keeping these items away from others can prevent the spread of head lice.

There are also some home remedies that can be useful in preventing lice. Benzyl alcohol lotion (5%), applied to the scalp, and wet combing are all effective against live lice. It is best to consult a doctor before using home remedies or self-treatments because they have not been scientifically proven to kill lice.