Lice are powerful little creatures. Just thinking about them can cause you to shutter with disgust and it’s not long before you’re sure they’re crawling all over your body! If you discover them on your child’s head, take care of them swiftly to prevent an infestation of the rest of your family.
What To Look For
If your child suddenly starts scratching his head, neck, or back of his ears constantly, head lice may be the issue. These little critters bite into the scalp, which causes inflammation and lots of itchiness. If your you suspect lice, use a comb to pull back parts of your child’s hair to search for lice. You may see the little gray or brownish bugs moving or their white or brown eggs glued to the hair shaft. You may even find flecks of dark brown or black on the scalp, which are, unfortunately and disgustingly, the remnants of lice fecal matter.
What You Need To Do
Even though it’s a grueling process, lice need to be physically removed from your child’s scalp so they do not continue to reproduce. You also need to clean them thoroughly from bedding, clothing, stuffed animals, and hair brushes
What Won’t Work
Home remedies scattered around the Internet promise safe, quick, and easy relief from lice. However, many are not effective so use your parental judgment. For example, covering your child’s hair in some kind of liquid or gel will not suffocate these nearly microscopic bugs. Some home products, such as agricultural pesticides or other toxic products, are recommended for lice removal, but should not be used on a child’s head. Lice needs to be removed and killed, not evaporated with products that could harm your child.
What Will Work
The best thing you can do is to remove each louse from your child’s scalp. It may seem like an arduous process, and it is, but it is thorough, safe, and the most effective system. First, purchase some over-the-counter lice shampoo. Have your child sit in front of you, and pour a bit of the shampoo onto a paper towel. Use a comb to part your child’s hair and examine each section of the scalp. When you see a louse, pull it out with your finger or a pair of tweezers and drop it in the shampoo to kill it.
How To Prevent
After you have removed all the lice and their eggs, wash your child’s clothes and bedding to remove any stray lice. Encourage your child not to share hats, brushes, or other hair items with friends. Sharing these products is the easiest and fastest way to spread lice!
