How to beware of lice? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair daily, focusing on the nape and behind the ears, and comb wet hair with a fine-toothed lice comb while washing personal items (combs, hats, bedding) at high temperatures after each use. Avoid sharing hair accessories, keep hair clean and short when feasible, and apply approved pediculicide treatment immediately upon detection.
How to beware of lice? - in detail
Lice infestations begin with the transfer of live nymphs or adult insects from an infested host to a new one. The most reliable way to avoid this risk is to eliminate the conditions that allow the parasites to spread.
- Keep hair and head coverings clean. Wash scarves, hats, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 60 °C) after each use. Dry them on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Limit direct head-to-head contact, especially in crowded settings such as schools, sports teams, and camps. Encourage activities that keep personal space between participants.
- Inspect hair regularly. Perform a visual check at least once a week, focusing on the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Use a fine-tooth comb on damp hair to reveal any moving insects or nits attached close to the scalp.
- Reduce sharing of personal items. Prohibit the exchange of combs, brushes, hair ties, headphones, helmets, and pillows among individuals.
- Maintain clean bedding and upholstery. Launder sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly in hot water; vacuum upholstered furniture and carpets to remove stray eggs.
- Educate children and caregivers about the signs of infestation: itching, redness, or a feeling of movement on the scalp. Prompt reporting enables early treatment and prevents further spread.
If an infestation is detected, treat it immediately with a proven pediculicide following the manufacturer’s instructions, then repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched nymphs. After treatment, comb the hair with a fine-tooth nit comb every 2–3 days for two weeks to remove residual eggs. Finally, wash all recently used clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water and dry on high heat to eliminate any surviving parasites.
Consistent application of these preventive measures dramatically lowers the probability of a lice outbreak.