How to protect children from lice – New York Family

How to protect children from lice

From the classroom to the camp bus, the spread of head lice is common in children between ages 3 and 11 years old. As a parent, if you are concerned about protecting your child, there are many methods and tips you can follow.

Prevention measures, treatments and the use of combative products can help keep the little critters at bay! Without further ado, here are suggestions from the CDC, John Hopkins and the National Children’s Hospital to protect your children and homes from any outbreaks.

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Precautionary measures

According to the CDCThere are two main ways that head lice can be spread among children: the first and most common way is through head-to-head contact. The second, less likely option is sharing clothes or personal belongings.

It is important to remember that they cannot jump through the air from one head to another. To transmit lice, the person who has the head lice must rub their heads with another individual. This can happen during sports, sleepovers, playtime, or in a similar situation.

Furthermore, they cannot survive outside the human head for more than a day. This doesn’t mean your kids should share hair accessories, hats, or hairbrushes with others; if you never share what touches your hair, your child will remain (knock on wood) lice free!

The following suggestions elaborate on how to prevent the spread of lice:

• Avoid personal contact while participating in activities at home, school or elsewhere
• Do not share clothing items with others, such as hats, jackets or uniforms
• Do not share combs/brushes or towels with others (immerse combs and brushes used by an infected person in hot water for 5-10 minutes to disinfect them)
• Do not lie on couches, beds, cushions, or other related surfaces that have been in contact with someone who has lice
• Be sure to clean clothing or bedding from an infected person before next use (Machine wash and dry items that have been used during the 2 days before treatment. Use warm water for washing and high temperatures for drying. Items that are not washable can be taken to the dry cleaners or placed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks sealed to be properly disinfected)
• Avoid hugging or other close contact
• Vacuum the floor and furniture
• DO NOT use disinfectant sprays or mists (this is NOT necessary and can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin)
• Pets CANNOT spread head lice

Signs and symptoms

It’s important to be aware of the signs of head lice so you can properly identify them in your children.

Head lice can cause a tickling sensation in the hair. So your child may come to you and explain that they are itchy or have the feeling that something is moving in their hair.

They may report being irritable or having trouble sleeping because lice are most active in the dark. If your child comes to you with any of these symptoms, please refer to the treatment methods below.

Therapy

The treatment options can range from home remedies, visits to the doctor and help from professionals.

There are no over-the-counter or prescription medications that can completely kill lice and nits (lice eggs). However, a combination of medication and the following approaches may be effective:

• Remove nits with a nit comb and by hand
• Environmental control: vacuuming, washing, cleaning the house
• Regular head checks (after lice are found, use the comb every 8-12 hours. If resistant lice are still present, contact your doctor to discuss further treatment)
• Follow medication directions carefully to ensure safe use and consumption
• Do not wash the hair again for 1-2 days after the treatment and continue to check the hair and use the nit comb every 2-3 days for 2-3 weeks as long as there are still nits on the head.
• Check the hair of others who have had close contact with the infected person

You should contact a doctor or medical professional for assistance in the circumstances below:

• The treatment has not proven effective (after 2 treatments your child still has lice)
• The lice remain as active as before treatment
• Your child has open, oozing sores or crusting on the scalp
• Your child has a fever or enlarged lymph nodes

Products to help combat or prevent lice

If you’re a parent who wants to go the extra mile to protect your children, or are trying to find products to treat them, these are some great options to have on hand.

RID Lice killing shampoo

This shampoo and conditioner treatment is proven to help your kids get rid of the pesky bugs in their hair. Take the product and apply it to your child’s dry hair. Then use the nit comb to remove any lice or eggs. Make sure to repeat the same steps for the second treatment, 7-10 days after the first. $18.31

Ladibugs One and Done lice treatment set

This pesticide free treat kit is the perfect product to fit your toddlers. After completing three easy steps your kids will be ready to take on the day and won’t have to worry about spreading it to their friends! $34.95

Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Daily Kid Conditioning Spray

If you’re looking for a prevention you can use every day with your children, try the Fairy Tales Conditioning Spray! This spray is paraben and sulphate free so you don’t have to worry about damaging your little one’s hair and is made from organic rosemary, citronella, tea tree and geranium oils. $11.95

So nice Bo! Lice repellent spray

The SoCozy Boo! Spray is sure to scare away all the little critters so your kids can enjoy quality time with their friends! Not only is the spray made with natural and powerful insect repellents like rosemary and peppermint oils, but it is also made with keratin, so your children’s hair is both protected and strengthened. $11.36

LiceLogic clear and free shampoo

The LiceLogic Clear & Free Shampoo helps kill lice and eggs in your children’s hair on contact and is one of the leading non-toxic shampoos. It is gentle on the hair and scalp and contains approximately 16 treatments in a bottle, so you can store it for multiple uses. $34