How to Keep My Kids From Getting Lice

Lice are very small wingless parasites that live among the human scalp. These lice feed on small amounts of human blood. Lice are contracted by direct contact. Lice are common among school age children. Many children may contract lice by using a friend's hair brush, sleeping over at a friend's house or by sharing clothing. Although there is no way to guarantee that your child will never contract lice, there are steps you can take to try to prevent it.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid hair-to-hair contact. Don't let your child's hair touch others' hair during playtime or slumber parties. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is the most common way to get lice.

• 2

  Don't share clothing. Only allow your child to wear his clothing. You can't tell by looking at someone that she has lice. To prevent head lice, always assume the other child has it and protect your children accordingly.

• 3

  Do not share brushes, combs or hair accessories. This is also a common way to get lice. Nits from infected children's hair are often found in their brushes. Using the brush can put the nit or even live lice in your hair. To keep brushes and combs free of lice, soak them in boiling water for five to 10 minutes.

• 4

  Do not cuddle with stuffed animals, or lie on beds and furniture that an infected person has been on. Live lice can live up to 48 hours off the human body, according to KidsHealth.org.

• 5

  Clean the home after it has been visited or lived in by an infected person or family. Wash with hot water and dry on high heat all bed linens, clothing and other items that infested people used during their infestation. Items that are not washable can be stored in a plastic closed container for 2 weeks. Vacuum all carpets and mop all hard floors.