How not to infect a person with lice? - briefly
Prevent lice transmission by avoiding direct head-to-head contact and refraining from sharing combs, hats, pillows, or other personal items; keep hair clean and trim it regularly. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat to eliminate any eggs or nits.
How not to infect a person with lice? - in detail
Preventing the spread of head lice requires a systematic approach that targets the primary pathways of transmission: direct head-to-head contact, shared personal items, and contaminated environments.
First, eliminate direct contact by keeping children’s heads apart during play, sports, and group activities. Educate caregivers to recognize that close physical interaction is the most efficient vector.
Second, restrict sharing of objects that touch the scalp. Enforce a policy that forbids the exchange of hats, hairbrushes, combs, helmets, headphones, and hair accessories. Provide each child with a personal set of grooming tools and store them in sealed containers when not in use.
Third, maintain a clean environment. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used by an infested individual in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat. For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to deprive lice of a host. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats regularly; discard vacuum bags after use.
Fourth, implement routine inspections. Conduct head examinations at least once a week, focusing on the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Use a fine-toothed lice comb on damp hair; repeat the process for three consecutive days to catch newly hatched nits.
Fifth, apply treatment promptly when infestation is confirmed. Follow the instructions of an approved pediculicide, ensuring coverage of the entire scalp and hair length. After treatment, repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks to remove residual nits. Avoid re‑infestation by repeating the environmental cleaning steps.
Finally, foster awareness among families and staff. Distribute concise guidelines that outline the preventive measures, signs of infestation, and steps to take if a case arises. Consistent communication reinforces adherence and reduces the likelihood of future outbreaks.