How to Safely Prevent Head Lice

An estimated 6 to 12 million people in the United States are infested with head lice each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Contrary to popular belief, head lice are not caused by a lack of personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home. Head lice are spread through direct contact with an infected person. Accordingly, the key to preventing head lice is avoiding contact with infected persons and their personal items.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid head-to-head contact with others. Don't share hair care tools or accessories, hats, scarves, towels, helmets or other personal care items with others. Don't lie on bedding, pillows, stuffed animals or carpets recently used by a person with lice.

• 2

  Disinfect hair care tools used by an infected person. Soak the items in water that's at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, for 5 to 10 minutes.

• 3

  Machine wash clothing, bed linens and other items used or worn by the infected person. Wash the items in the hottest water possible and dry on high heat. Dry clean items that are not machine washable, or place them in an airtight bag for two weeks. Vacuum floors and furniture in an area where an infected person has been sitting.