When you have children, there is almost a guarantee of certain things you will deal with, one of those things being head lice. Children are exposed to numerous other children in their school settings. Head lice are extremely contagious, jumping from one child to the next. All it takes is one or two head lice to make it into your home, before you are facing an entire infestation. Head lice can be very difficult to get rid of. However, if you are attempting to get rid of lice in your house, remember the following important steps.
Proper removal of all head lice
Before you attempt to remove the head lice from non living structures in your house, you will want to ensure that you have removed it from its source. This source is most likely one of your children?s heads. Lice removal is most effective from a lice treatment service. Lice treatment services are sometimes preferred, because if you miss even one of the smallest lice, the eradication is unsuccessful. Consider hiring a professional head lice service or taking the time to properly remove them from your child.
You will also want to spend time on other members of the family. Head lice quickly move from one person to another, through bedsheets and hair materials. Approximately 80% of the time, kids pass on a lice infestation to their siblings. Even if the other members of the family are not yet itching and scratching, it can be beneficial to use nit removal services on them, as well. Most lice treatment services will recommend treating every person in the family for the most effective eradication.
Look for any sensitivities
It is also important to keep an eye out for any sensitivity. When a child has an extreme case of head lice, or has had the head lice for a long period of time, they are more prone to allergic reactions. An allergic reaction, or sensitization, to lice bites, which causes itches, only happens after a person has been bitten at least 10,000 times. This usually takes at least four weeks with active head lice. Allergic reactions usually require professional lice treatment services for treatment.
Wash and clean all bedding and cotton materials
Effective head lice removal also requires cleaning of bed sheets, furniture, hair utensils, carpeting, and stuffed animals. Pretty much anything made out of cotton or that touched the hair should be properly cleaned. Although the head lice do not live on these substances as long as the head, they can hide out in these areas and then move back onto the head. When given a choice of hair or flannel, 80% of head lice laid eggs on hair, but 20% preferred to lay eggs on flannel. Adult lice can definitely be transmitted by sharing hats and scarves and will lay eggs on soft fabrics.
Avoid another head lice infestation
Your child already has head lice this time. There is nothing that you can do to avoid the possibility of a head lice infestation in this situation. However, once you have successfully removed the head lice from your children and your home, you can work on prevention techniques. Educate your child on the importance of not sharing personal items, such as brushes and hair items. Tell them to never share towels, blankets, or stuffed animals in the school setting. Let them know to inform you immediately if they notice any constant itching, so you can handle the problem before it gets much worse.
A large percentage of parents with young children will deal with a lice infestation at one time or another. Lice are very common among school aged children, because of their constant contact with one another. Once you find out that your child has head lice, be sure to take the appropriate steps to remove it. You may consider using a professional lice treatment service for the best results. You will also want to focus on hair accessories and cotton items in the house. Once you have successfully treated it, attempt to avoid further lice infestations.