What should be done to prevent lice? - briefly
Maintain clean hair and scalp by washing regularly with medicated shampoo, avoid sharing combs, hats, or pillows, and keep bedding and clothing laundered at high temperatures; conduct routine inspections and treat any infestation promptly with approved topical agents.
What should be done to prevent lice? - in detail
Effective lice control relies on a layered strategy that addresses personal habits, environmental factors, and community practices.
Personal hygiene measures include regular washing of hair with shampoo, especially after contact with potentially infested individuals. Hair should be kept clean and, when feasible, tied back to reduce direct head‑to‑head contact.
Routine screening is essential. Conduct visual checks of the scalp and hair at least once a week, focusing on the nape, ears, and behind the shoulders. Early detection enables prompt treatment and limits spread.
Environmental decontamination reduces reinfestation risk. Wash bedding, hats, scarves, and hair accessories in hot water (minimum 130 °F) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, a period that exceeds the lice life cycle. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats to remove stray hairs that may contain viable eggs.
Avoid sharing personal items. Prohibit the exchange of combs, brushes, hair clips, hats, helmets, and headphones among students or athletes. Establish clear policies in schools, camps, and sports teams that require individual ownership of such objects.
When an infestation is confirmed, apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Repeat the application after seven to ten days to eradicate any newly hatched nymphs. Combine chemical treatment with meticulous combing using a fine‑toothed lice comb to remove live insects and eggs.
Treat close contacts simultaneously. Family members and classmates who have had recent head contact should undergo the same screening and, if positive, receive treatment.
Educate caregivers and staff on the signs of infestation, proper use of treatment products, and the importance of consistent follow‑up. Provide written guidelines and conduct brief training sessions before the start of the school year or sports season.
By integrating personal care, systematic inspection, thorough cleaning, strict item‑sharing rules, effective pharmacologic intervention, and community education, the likelihood of lice outbreaks can be substantially reduced.