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Head Lice Treatments & Prevention

Head lice are parasites that live off of blood. Infestation of these insects occurs when close contact is made with someone who has head lice. Children are especially at risk because they play closely with schoolmates at school, but the transmission of head lice doesn't only happen at school. Infestation can transpire wherever children gather together. If you should see head lice crawling on the scalp, or if you should see specks that look like dandruff, lice may be present and treatment should be sought. If you don't suspect head lice, measures should be taken to prevent possible head lice infestation.

  1. Avoid Sharing

    • Do not use another person's hair brush or comb, wear his hat or clothing, use his towel or sleep in his bed if he has head lice.

    Instruct

    • Talk to children about not getting too close to children who may have head lice, especially if you know that child will be playing with other children, interacting with other children in sports or mingling with other children at a camp.

    Disinfest

    • Soak all hairbrushes and combs that are infested with head lice in water that is 130 degrees F or hotter for nine minutes.

    Vacuum

    • Remove head lice from places where someone with head lice has rested by vacuuming such places as the couch, rug or bed, but keep in mind lice die within two days if they have no blood for nourishment, and nits won't live more than a week if they aren't kept warm by the scalp.

    Launder

    • Wash all cloth items the person with head lice came into contact with in hot water in the washing machine and dry in the dryer using a high setting.

    Medicate

    • Ask your doctor or health care professional for an over-the-counter medication or a prescription medication that kills head lice and use as instructed.

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