This Month's Topic: Lice in Your Life

Lice in Your Life

Most parents live in fear if getting the dreaded nurse's call…your child has head lice. Your first reaction may be outrage, or panic. While both of these reactions may be understandable, neither one will help your family deal with the problem at hand- the little critters that have invaded your life.

Head lice are a common childhood malady that can affect not only children, but adults, as well. A small parasite that lives in the hair, head lice are particularly easy to transmit from person to person, especially in areas where there is close contact between people or clothing. Contrary to popular myth, head lice do not only infect "dirty heads"; rather, they prefer nice clean scalps where they can live and lay their eggs, or nits.

When the diagnosis comes in, it is important to speak with the nurse or doctor about the best treatment methods for your child and family. There are many traditional remedies that have been passed down over time, but be aware that some of these are not safe to use or are ineffective. The best advice is to ask a medical professional on what steps you should take.

Whatever method you choose, it is important to treat not only your child, but the environment your child lives in. The lice can be transferred to others through contact with infected clothing, furniture, stuffed animals, or hygiene products, like hairbrushes. It is important to treat all potentially infected areas, including living areas, bedrooms, and vehicles in order to halt the spread of the infestation. Follow the treatment direction carefully on your product or from your medical provider.

In addition to killing the living lice, it is essential to remove the eggs from the environment as well. This is especially important when removing eggs from your child's hair. It is a tedious and difficult task to remove every egg from each hair shaft, as they are attached and need to be physically removed by hand. However, if you completely remove all of the lice and the eggs, the chances for a recurrence are significantly lowered.

Please remember that having someone in your family contract head lice is not any reflection on your family's cleanliness habits. Rather, it is a common problem that strikes more and more families each year. By following some basic removal steps, you and your family will be louse-free very soon.

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