Most people, especially parents hate hearing the words head lice infestation. However, head lice are a fact of life and despite our best efforts some of us will be affected at least once. It is important to understand lice infestation so as to be able to deal with the situation if affected. Lice containment is also important in dealing with lice infestation.
How to Minimize the Risk of a Head Lice Infestation
The first step is to reduce the risk of getting lice. The following steps are worth keeping in mind:
* Once you know of an outbreak of lice in a school or other area, be proactive. Purchase and use head lice prevention sprays and shampoos.
* Advise children not to share hairbrushes, combs and hair clips. This is an easy way for lice to pass from one person to another.
* Ask children not to share scarves and hats, though this may require constant reminders. Children are often taught to share at very young ages, asking them not to share may become confusing.
* When playing, children sometimes put their heads together. This is another way to pass on a head lice infestation. Since it is difficult to prevent this type of interaction, check your child's hair at least once weekly.
Additionally: Look out for signs of head lice infestation such as, itchy scalps and or sores on the scalp and nape caused from vigorous scratching. If a child complains of feeling a crawling sensation in their hair or head, take a closer look to see what is causing the sensation.
* Use head lice helmet spray if your child or even adult family members play a sport where helmets are used and stored together. Prevention is the first and most important step.
It is important to stress that even these methods are no guarantee that your child or anyone in your household will not get lice. But, it is wise to do as much as you can to limit the possibility of lice infestation.
Head Lice Containment Steps
If someone in your household has become infected with lice, get into lice containment mode. This means that steps should be taken to limit the possibility of others in the house getting infected as well. Some simple steps to do this include:
Early Treatment: Start treatment once you become aware of the situation. The quicker you work to kill adult lice and their eggs, the quicker you prevent further infestation. Depending on the age of the person or persons affected different lice treatment options can be explored.
Quarantine: Limit exposure in main family areas such as living rooms. That does not mean that the affected persons will be ostracized. What is called for is using lice treatment sprays for fabrics so as to kill the nits and lice left on chairs and cushions.
Treat Accessories: Wash combs and brushes used by the person affected in warm, soapy water. Advise children not to share hair care products until the infestation is over.
Separate Hair Accessories: If possible, it is a good idea to keep each child's headgear and coats separate, even at home.
Even with the best-laid plans, a child or even an adult may get head lice. This is not an indication of being unhygienic. If someone in your family gets infected, take steps to treat the affected persons and contain infestation. Thankfully, having lice does not result in diseases, although they can cause discomfort due to an itchy scalp.
Author Resource:-
Liz Solovay writes about lice prevention and lice removal for the Lice Treatment Center. She promotes Jolis Cheveux, a line of 100% natural head lice treatment products. Find out more by visiting the Lice Treatment Center.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 