What to do when you get lice?

Getting lice can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to eliminate them and prevent their spread:

1. Check for lice:

- Inspect your scalp, hair, and the hair of family members for tiny, crawling insects or small, white eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts.

2. Confirm lice infestation:

- Use a lice comb to section hair and carefully comb through from root to tip. Nits tend to be more visible near the scalp.

3. Start treatment immediately:

- Over-the-counter or prescription lice treatments are available. Follow the instructions provided with these products.

- Common treatments may include permethrin (Nix), pyrethrin (Rid), spinosad (Natroba), or malathion (Ovide).

4. Repeat treatment:

- Most treatments require a second application after 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. Check the product instructions for specific timing.

5. Wash bedding and clothing:

- Wash all bedding, towels, hats, and clothing that have come into contact with the infested person in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) and dry them on the highest heat setting.

- For items that cannot be washed, seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to kill any lice or nits.

6. Avoid sharing:

- Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, scarves, or other personal items with someone who has lice.

7. Clean surfaces:

- Vacuum carpets, furniture, and car seats where an infested person has been sitting.

- Soak combs and brushes in hot water (130°F or 54°C) for at least 10 minutes.

8. Comb hair every day:

- Continue to comb hair with a lice comb every day for at least two weeks after treatment to check for any remaining lice or nits.

9. Screen household members:

- Check the heads of other family members and close contacts to identify and treat any additional cases.

10. Inform close contacts:

- Inform school, daycare, or other relevant places if you or your child has lice. This helps prevent the spread to others.

11. Seek professional help:

- If home treatments don't work or you're unsure how to proceed, consult a healthcare professional for further advice or prescription treatments.

Remember, lice infestations are common and not a sign of poor hygiene. Consistent treatment and thorough cleaning can help eliminate them effectively.