Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that feed on blood drawn from the scalp and result in plenty of annoying itchiness. Though they don’t spread disease, they are creepy little things and it’s hard not to freak out when you find them. If you freak out, so will your kids. So, take a deep breath and try this instead:
- Confirm the Diagnosis
Before launching into a full-blown lice treatment, make sure it actually is lice on your child’s head. You will be able to identify the head lice by tiny white eggs sticking to the child’s scalp, the presence of black or brown, wingless insects and sore red spots appearing on the child’s scalp.
- Consult a Doctor
Instead of trying home remedies that may or may not work, consult a doctor at once to determine the seriousness of the infection and what needs to be done to treat it.
- Use Lice Medicine and Comb
The doctor will prescribe a course of treatment for your child which will most likely include lice-killing shampoos, gels or powders. Once the hair is washed using the medication, you will need to separate the dead lice and eggs from the scalp with the help of a lice comb, which is specially designed to reach into the deepest crevices of the scalp and force out all the unwelcome lice.
- Decontaminate
Lice don’t live long without a blood meal, but they might lay eggs on other surfaces. Clean hairbrushes and combs. Place bedding and stuffed animals in the dryer for 30 minutes.
- Check on Family Members
Again, don’t freak out, but there’s a big chance you and your other family members may have picked up some bugs. Have all the family members check their heads and each other’s for signs so you can treat it if necessary.
