How can one protect against lice? - briefly
Regularly examine hair and scalp, particularly after close contact, and launder bedding and clothing in hot water. Apply a fine‑toothed comb to damp hair and use preventive shampoos containing pediculicidal ingredients.
How can one protect against lice? - in detail
Effective prevention of head‑lice infestations relies on a combination of personal hygiene, environmental management, and vigilant monitoring. Regular inspection of hair, especially after contact with others, allows early detection. Hair should be kept clean and dry; excessive oil and moisture create favorable conditions for lice survival.
Key practices include:
- Keeping hair tied back or in short styles reduces the surface area available for egg attachment.
- Avoiding the sharing of personal items such as combs, brushes, hats, helmets, and headphones eliminates common transmission routes.
- Washing bedding, pillowcases, and clothing in hot water (minimum 60 °C) followed by high‑heat drying destroys live insects and eggs.
- Vacuuming carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats removes detached lice and nits that may have fallen off.
When an infestation is confirmed, immediate treatment is essential. Recommended steps are:
- Apply a pediculicide approved by health authorities according to the product instructions, ensuring thorough coverage of the scalp and hair shafts.
- After the recommended exposure time, rinse the hair completely with warm water and remove dead insects with a fine‑toothed comb.
- Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice that survived the first application.
- Wash all personal items used during the infestation period, including hair accessories and clothing worn in the preceding 48 hours.
Education of caregivers and school staff supports community‑wide control. Providing information on detection signs—such as itching, visible nits attached to hair shafts near the scalp, and live insects—facilitates prompt response. Consistent application of the measures outlined above markedly reduces the likelihood of new infestations.