What Should I Do If I Have Been Exposed to Head Lice?

The first thing to do if you suspect that you have been exposed to head lice is to wash all clothing, bedding and other items that may have been in contact with the head of the infected person. You should also put the clothing into a plastic bag to prevent the lice from getting onto it. The next step is to check every household member for lice. You should be sure to treat each member if you suspect that they have been exposed to head lice.

The best treatment for lice is a medicated shampoo or lotion that kills the lice instantly. These shampoos also help prevent the lice from reproducing and growing. Make sure you follow the directions on the label of the shampoo. Do not use shampoo that contains insecticides, as these can be harmful.

Head lice spread most commonly by direct head-to-head contact, though they can live on inanimate objects, such as combs and hats. It’s also possible to get infested by head lice on carpets, but the risk is very low. Keeping the temperature of the carpet the same as the scalp will help prevent the lice from hatching.

There are many products available that contain insecticides to kill lice. However, insecticides have numerous negative effects for human health and the environment and are not the best option for controlling head lice. Most common products contain insecticides that are toxic to the louse’s nervous system. Besides being harmful to people and the environment, these treatments can also cause a rash or other skin reaction.

Continue reading:

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