What To Do If Your Child Has Lice
What is one of the least favorite notices to get as a parent? You guessed it, the “your child has been exposed to lice” notice. By the time you are finished reading those words, you are already itching your scalp! Have no fear. If you are armed with some basic information about this pesky little nuisance, you will be able to help your children and your household be lice-free in no time.
What is Lice?
Lice are tiny insects that can live on the scalp and body and spread via close contact. The most common symptoms of lice are intense itching and feeling as though something is moving on the scalp. You may also notice small bite marks or sores within the scalp from the lice bites.
How do I tell if my child has lice?
If you suspect your child might have lice, the first step is to put on a pair of gloves and start dividing up the hair into small sections. Use a bright light to inspect the scalp in each area closely. Adult lice will be dark-colored, moving quickly, and roughly the size of a sesame seed. You will also want to inspect for nits which are tiny white eggs that lice lay and are usually found close to the hair follicles. Nits can appear similar to dandruff. The biggest difference between the two is that dandruff is usually very easy to remove from the hair, while nits are stuck to the hair strand. If you can move the hair and the small white speck easily falls or flakes away, then it is likely dandruff and not a nit.
How do I treat my child for lice?
Once it is determined that your child does have lice, the first thing to do is NOT PANIC. Several over-the-counter shampoos such as Nix and RID can be used, which start to kill the live lice within 12 hours. Follow the instructions on the box and try not to use regular shampoo or conditioner for at least two days after treatment. This type of treatment can be repeated if needed. Afterward, you will want to do “wet combing” to remove any nits. This process is accomplished by wetting the hair and partitioning it into small sections. Use a fine-tooth comb or lice comb to comb through each section from root outwards slowly. Repeat this five times per section. Each time you run the comb through the hair, you will need to wipe off the comb to remove any nits. The process of wet combing should be repeated every couple of days. Remember to wash all sheets, towels, pillowcases, or clothing the child has used in the previous three days and dry with high heat.
When should I seek medical attention for my child?
If you have tried the above OTC regiment of shampoos and wet combing and you continue to see evidence of live lice or nits, you will likely have to bring your child to see a doctor- either their pediatrician or an urgent care. There are prescription shampoos that can be used at that time.
Takeaways. While treating a child with lice can be frustrating and time-consuming, try not to panic and remain calm. Assure your children that lice can happen to ANYONE, and it is not a sign of uncleanliness. If you follow the steps above, most cases will be successfully treated, and for the minority of cases that are not, prescription treatments are available. Once fully treated, just cross your fingers that you never receive another “lice warning letter” again, but if you do, now you are prepared!
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