It is important that parents are aware that head lice infestation in children is very common.
Head lice live and breed completely on the human scalp and hair. Although people of all ages are susceptible to head lice, children are more likely to be infested because of their close contact with other children. Hats, combs, brushes, stuffed animals, clothing, and sleeping articles are commonly shared items among children that can transfer head lice from one child to another. It is important to keep in mind that anyone can get head lice. It is not a sign of uncleanliness.
Instructions
1. Check your child's head for signs of head lice infestation. Use a good light source, since head lice are small and difficult to see. Look at individual hair shafts. Minute, white eggs (nits) are often attached to the hair near the scalp. Look for small bugs similar in size and appearance to sesame seeds.
2. Be aware of possible symptoms. Severe itching at the back of the head or neck is common. Observe whether your child repeatedly scratches in either location.
3. Wash the scalp and hair with a shampoo specially formulated for the treatment of head lice. These shampoos contain insecticides and must be handled with care. Consult your pharmacist as to which shampoo would be safe and effective. Do not shampoo the hair in the shower or bath. Isolate and wash the area over a basin or sink so insecticide residue does not affect the other areas of the body. Wear rubber gloves.
4. Comb the hair. This step is supplemental to the shampoo treatment and essential in controlling head lice. Metal combs made for removing lice and eggs are available at your local pharmacy. Start at the crown of the head and work on one section at a time, clipping up and away sections that have already been combed. Cutting out small sections of the hair may also be necessary. Rinse hair thoroughly after combing. Allow the hair to dry. Check through the hair again for any eggs you may have missed.
5. Clean the area. Soak the head lice comb in hot soapy water containing ammonia for 15 minutes. Wash your child's clothing and bedding to get rid of any possible infestation in those areas. Vacuum all rugs and furniture. Seal stuffed animals in plastic bags for two weeks. If you are not sure where the infestation originated, stay alert. Your child could become infested again.
6. Contact schools, neighbors, acquaintances and other possible sources of origin concerning the head lice infestation. It is important to narrow down the source and alert others who may have been infested but are not aware of it yet.
7. Continue daily checks of your child's hair and scalp until you are sure of the source and that the infestation is gone.
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