HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILD LICE-FREE
Head lice infestations are a common problem among children, particularly those who attend school or daycare. Even though lice don’t transmit disease, they are still a nuisance! These small, wingless insects live on the scalp and feed on blood. Their bites can cause intense itching and discomfort, with symptoms showing up around 4 to 6 weeks later.
Sadly, the presence of head lice can lead to social stigma and embarrassment for affected children. A lot of this stigma comes from misinformation, as people still believe that lice are the result of being dirty. However, lice like all types of hair and have nothing to do with being clean or dirty.
Once a child gets head lice, they are more likely to get it again. This happens because lice leave behind a scent to attract other lice. Fortunately, there are effective ways to prevent head lice in your home and keep your child lice-free - even if they are in school or daycare.
Perform Regular Head Checks
Regular head checks are the first line of defense against head lice. You should inspect your child’s scalp at least once a week. This can be done by parting the hair and looking for lice or nits (lice eggs) on the scalp and hair shafts. It’s important to check all family members who live in the same household since lice are highly contagious. But, you only need to apply lice shampoo on those who have lice.
Use Protective Products
There are several products you can use to repel lice, including shampoos, conditioners, and lice prevention sprays. We recommend using lice products from My Hair Helpers because they are natural and contain no harsh chemicals. In fact, they are gentle enough that you can use them every day on kids of all ages - even newborns!Avoid Sharing Personal Items
Lice can spread through close personal contact or by sharing personal items such as hats, combs, brushes, and towels. Therefore, it’s important to teach children not to share their personal items with others. If a child is diagnosed with lice, all personal items should be washed in hot water or sealed in plastic bags for at least two weeks.Keep the Hair Pulled Back
Long, flowy hair might look beautiful, but it’s a magnet for head lice. If there’s an outbreak at your child’s school or daycare, tie back their hair in a ponytail or braid to prevent lice from crawling onto their head. Additionally, remind your child not to lie on shared surfaces such as couches, carpets, and pillows.Educate Children and Caregivers
Education is key to addressing head lice. Parents and caregivers should be educated on the signs and symptoms of head lice, as well as on the importance of regular head checks. Children should also be taught about the importance of not sharing personal items and avoiding close personal contact with others who may have lice.Preventing Lice Takes a Village!
Too often, people are secretive about head lice, but they should be open and honest. Lice are nothing to be embarrassed about, and keeping them a secret only allows them to spread more.If your child gets head lice, choose a natural treatment, follow up with lice prevention products, and perform weekly head lice checks. And, do notify the school or daycare so they can alert parents as well. For a full selection of head lice products, visit My Hair Helpers Amazon store or shop My Hair Helpers website!