What should be done to avoid catching lice? - briefly
Inspect hair and scalp frequently and refrain from sharing combs, hats, headphones, or other personal items. Keep bedding and clothing clean, use preventive sprays when appropriate, and keep hair secured in public environments.
What should be done to avoid catching lice? - in detail
Preventing head‑lice infestations requires consistent personal hygiene, environmental controls, and informed behavior. Regularly inspecting hair, especially after close contact with others, enables early detection and swift removal. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair at least once a week; this mechanically dislodges any nymphs or eggs that may have settled.
Maintain clean personal items. Wash hats, scarves, hair accessories, and pillowcases in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) after each use. For fabrics that cannot be laundered, seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks, a period sufficient to kill lice lacking a food source. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats frequently to eliminate stray insects that may have fallen from clothing.
Limit sharing of objects that contact the scalp. Prohibit the exchange of combs, brushes, hair ties, helmets, and earbuds among children or within groups. If communal items are unavoidable, disinfect them with an alcohol‑based solution or a lice‑specific spray before reuse.
Educate all participants in group settings—schools, camps, sports teams—about transmission routes. Emphasize that lice spread through direct head‑to‑head contact rather than through air or casual surface touch. Encourage parents to report any confirmed cases promptly so that coordinated treatment can begin.
When an infestation occurs, treat all affected individuals simultaneously. Apply a pediculicide approved by health authorities according to package directions, then repeat the treatment after seven to ten days to target any newly hatched nymphs. Follow with a thorough combing session to remove residual eggs.
Key preventive actions:
- Conduct weekly scalp inspections with a fine‑toothed comb.
- Wash or isolate personal headgear and bedding after each use.
- Avoid sharing hair‑related accessories.
- Vacuum environments where close contact occurs.
- Provide education on transmission and prompt reporting.
- Apply coordinated treatment and repeat after a week if needed.
Consistent implementation of these measures dramatically reduces the likelihood of acquiring head lice.