If your child has ever come home from school with lice, don’t despair. You can halt their spread with special shampoos and these tips for washing bedding after an infestation.
Lice are tiny, wingless, six-legged parasites about the size of a sesame seed. They can live on the human head for up to two days, and attach or “glue” their eggs to hair close to the scalp. Since they can’t fly or hop, they are usually transferred through head-to-head contact or by sharing combs or brushes.
These blood-sucking little critters are not a sign of poor hygiene, and do not spread disease. Due to their size, lice are difficult to spot, which is why they are often not found until it’s too late. Lice might cause your head to itch, but they don’t hurt.
Where to begin...
Wash any items that have touched the infected head at least two days prior to treatment, including bedding, hats and towels. Don’t let treated heads come into contact with unwashed bedding or towels.
- Start by washing and drying the bedding or other items in hot water, as lice and eggs are killed by exposure for five minutes to temperatures greater than 54°C (128.3°F).
- Throw car seat cushions, stuffed animals and the like in a mesh bag into the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes.
- Seal items that can’t be washed in a plastic bag and store for two weeks.
- Soak combs and brushes in hot water at least 55°C (130°F) for 5–10 minutes.
- Toxic furniture sprays or pesticides are unnecessary. Simple vacuuming will suffice to remove lice or nits that have fallen on the floors and upholstered furniture.
Pay attention to nits, too
Washing bedding which has been in touch with lice is important, but make sure to focus your time and energy on nit removal as well.
- Lice leave behind empty eggshells or “nits” that you will need to remove with the lice and eggs.
- Getting rid of lice requires a combination of patience, over-the-counter medicated shampoo and combing with a special comb to remove the eggs and nits.
Ask your pharmacist for advice
Ask your pharmacist for the best medicated shampoo available to treat lice.
- Lice are hardy bugs and can survive the suffocating effects of swimming pools or homemade treatments like thick coats of mayonnaise or hair gel.
Be persistent and aware
Schools sometimes have strict policies on lice, requiring a “no nit” policy. If your child is infected, you will need to know your school’s guidelines.
- Some lice are resistant to medicated shampoos, so it’s recommended to repeat treatment after ten days to kill any lice that may have survived.
- Don't use medicated lice treatments on children under two. For them, you will have to remove lice and nits by hand.
Remember, homes or schools don’t get head lice, people do. Feel free to resume your normal daily activities. Teach your children the importance of not sharing combs or brushes and avoiding head-to-head contact with other children.
