How can you protect a child from lice? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair frequently, using a fine-toothed comb on wet hair after applying a preventive conditioner, and keep personal items such as hats, brushes, and bedding separate and washed in hot water. Limit head‑to‑head contact and promptly treat any infestation with an approved lice treatment.
How can you protect a child from lice? - in detail
Head lice spread through direct head-to-head contact and sharing of personal items. Reducing exposure requires consistent habits and environmental control.
- Keep hair short or tied back to limit contact between scalps.
- Wash hair regularly with a mild shampoo; avoid excessive use of oily or heavy styling products that can trap lice.
- Inspect the scalp at least once a week, focusing on the nape, behind the ears, and hairline. Look for live insects, nits attached within ¼ inch of the scalp, or itching.
- Instruct children not to exchange hats, scarves, hair brushes, combs, headphones, or helmets.
- Store personal headgear separately; clean hats and helmets with hot water (≥130 °F) or a dryer cycle on high heat.
- Launder clothing, bedding, and towels worn within the previous 48 hours in hot water and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray hairs that may carry nits.
- Use a fine-toothed lice comb on dry hair after each wash; comb from scalp to ends, cleaning the comb after each pass.
If an infestation is confirmed, apply an FDA‑approved topical treatment according to the product label, typically a 10‑minute application followed by a repeat dose after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice. After treatment, repeat combing daily for at least one week to remove residual nits.
Educate the child about avoiding head contact during play and the importance of not sharing personal objects. Communicate the preventive plan with caregivers, teachers, and school staff to ensure consistent implementation across environments.