How to prevent lice? - briefly
Regularly inspect the scalp, wash hair with medicated shampoo, avoid sharing combs, hats, or pillows, and keep bedding and living areas clean by vacuuming and laundering at high temperatures.
How to prevent lice? - in detail
Preventing head‑lice infestations requires a combination of personal practices, environmental controls, and regular monitoring.
Consistent grooming habits reduce the likelihood of transmission. Wash hair with regular shampoo, and after activities that increase sweating—such as sports or outdoor play—dry the scalp thoroughly before covering the head. Use a fine‑toothed comb on damp hair to remove any loose eggs or nits.
Limit direct head‑to‑head contact, especially among children in schools, camps, or daycare centers. Encourage the use of personal items—combs, hats, hair accessories, headphones—only by their owners. When sharing is unavoidable, disinfect items with hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) or a suitable antiseptic solution.
Maintain clean sleeping environments. Wash bedding, pillowcases, and hats in hot water weekly; dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to eliminate stray lice that may have detached from hair.
Implement routine inspections. Conduct visual checks of the scalp and hair at least once a week, focusing on the nape, behind the ears, and crown. Early detection allows prompt removal of eggs and prevents spread.
If an infestation is confirmed, follow an evidence‑based treatment protocol:
- Apply a pediculicide approved by health authorities according to label instructions.
- After the recommended waiting period, repeat the application to kill newly hatched lice.
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb to extract remaining eggs; repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- Clean personal items and household textiles as described above.
Educate caregivers and teachers about transmission routes and response steps. Provide written guidelines outlining the above measures to ensure consistent application across homes and institutions.
Adhering to these practices creates multiple barriers that drastically lower the risk of lice colonization.