Stop Lice From Spreading
Parents should know that when school starts every year, head lice could be a problem. Twelve million people worldwide get head lice every year. Children between three and ten are the most susceptible to head lice. Head lice are common in schools and other settings where many people are in close contact with each other. Head lice are increasingly hard to get rid of because the medicines that will kill lice are less effective each year.
Preventing head lice from spreading is possible, but you will need to take certain precautions and educate your children. Educating schools, parents, and individuals about how lice are transferred is important. Everyone should realize that head lice have absolutely nothing to do a person's cleanliness, income, or social status!
1. Avoid direct contact with clothing or personal belongings of anyone who already has head lice. Teach your children not to put on someone's hat, scarf, or any other clothing.
2. If your children or in school, day care, or a camp setting, watch for any signs of lice. Signs could be frequent head scratching and irritability. The nits are not what cause the itching; it is the nymphs and adult lice. The nits are oval shaped and whitish yellow in color. They attach themselves to the hair shaft and they may look like dried hair spray or dandruff. If they cannot be moved with your finger, they are nits.
3. Be aware of the items that can transfer head lice from one individual to another. After trying hard to teach your child to share, it is now time to teach them not to share combs, brushes, hair ribbons or hair accessories. You also should be aware that helmets, hats, and headphones could transfer head lice. Towels, personal clothing, or other personal items can transfer lice from one head to another.
4. If one member of your household has been affected, check everyone! If you hear of an outbreak at your child's school, check your children immediately. If your child is diagnosed with head lice, do not send them to school until they are nit free, or ready to return according to your school or daycare's policies.
5. One important way to control a head lice problem is education. Schools, daycares, and camps should be trained on ways to prevent the spread of head lice. Separate cubicles and storage areas should be provided for each child. If your school uses coat racks, the hooks should be placed a good distance from each other. If sleeping cots or mats are used, each child should have their own mat, pillow, and blanket. If dress up clothes is used in the classroom they should be washed after each use. If there is an outbreak of head lice, you should not use dress up clothes in the classroom!
Do your part in protecting your children and entire household from head lice infestation. Always follow your school's policy regarding head lice and nits. It will help prevent a wide spread infestation in the school or day care.