For many people, a case of head lice creeps up on them. They may notice that their head itches or their child tells them they feel a crawling sensation in their hair. But what happens when you know that you have been exposed to someone with lice? Maybe it was a friend or a student in your child’s classroom. Is there any way to protect your family from an infestation?
You’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of things you can do to keep lice out of your home, even after exposure. Before we share what they are, we do want to remind you that lice are not harmful to your health and will not make you sick. They are also 100% treatable. So even if you do end up getting lice, you can get rid of them with the right head lice removal products.
Have Your Child Checked for Lice (or Check Yourself)
As long as you’re comfortable checking your child’s hair for head lice, you can start with an examination. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand such as a bright light and fine-tooth lice eliminator comb. Lice are hard to find, so it’s important that you have the right tools.
It also helps to do this after your child’s bath or shower when their hair is wet. Look for oval shapes around 2-3mm long and grayish-tan in color. Nits are about 0.8mm long and 0.3mm wide and yellow to white in color. If you see anything like this, comb it out and wipe it onto a paper towel.
It’s possible that you can continue using this method to stop an infestation, but it’s likely you’ll need a stronger head lice shampoo. Avoid over-the-counter products because they often contain harsh ingredients that aren’t necessary for killing lice. Stick to all-natural, proven head lice removal products like those from My Hair Helpers.
If you’re not comfortable doing this on your own, or you want your child treated right away, schedule an appointment with My Hair Helpers. Our head lice salon will comb through your child’s hair, check for lice and apply treatment if needed. Sit back, relax and let us take care of the rest!
Continue Following Healthy Habits
A child with head lice will receive treatment and be ready for school the next day. A child without head lice just needs to be monitored. In either case, send your child to school or daycare with the proper protection. Even a little bit goes a long way in head lice prevention. Here are some tips to follow:
- If your child’s hair is long, pull it up into a bun or braid. This makes it harder for lice to crawl onto.
- Use a lice repellent spray that deters lice from crawling onto your child’s hair. A few spritzes is all you need!
- Once a week, take a peak. All you need is a fine-tooth nit comb and a well-lit area. This way, if you find lice, you can comb them out immediately.
If you were recently exposed to head lice, do not fret! With careful attention and proper head lice treatment (if needed), you can stop lice from becoming a problem for your family.
