What Should You Do If You Have Head Lice?

If you suspect you have head lice, you’ll want to take steps immediately to get rid of them. In many cases, lice can be eliminated with home treatments. These include a lice shampoo and a lotion. There are also medications available for lice treatment, but these are only available with a doctor’s prescription. These medications are effective for most cases, but there are some side effects. You should avoid using these products if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you’re allergic to them.

Before applying the shampoo or lotion, be sure to follow the directions. Depending on the type of lice you have, you may need to apply more product than recommended. If you don’t use enough, the lice will survive and will need more treatments to get rid of them. When applying the head lice treatment product, be sure to treat all of the affected areas of the scalp and hair, as these are areas where the lice live and feed.

As with any illness, the best way to avoid the spread of head lice is to keep personal items and bedding away from other people. Also, you should avoid sharing stuffed animals, towels, and hats with those infected. If you’re unsure of which item is infected, make sure to wash it in hot water, and dry it in a hot clothes dryer. If it’s too hot to wash, it’s best to keep the clothing in a plastic bag, sealed tightly, for two weeks.