Does it seem like your child continues to get head lice despite your best efforts? Is it possible that some people are just more prone to lice than others?
While there is no research that suggests that one person is more vulnerable to head lice than another, there are certain behaviors and lifestyles that put people at risk. For example, if your child is in daycare, they have a higher risk of getting head lice because they’re in close contact with other young children.
Below you’ll find more information about why your child may be getting head lice more than others and how you can address the issue. Remember, lice are treatable!
Why Some Kids Get Head Lice More than Others
Here are some reasons why your child may be getting lice over and over again.
Lice leave behind a scent.
Head lice leave behind a scent to tell others where they’ve been. This scent is a combination of urine and saliva that embeds into the hair shaft. It lasts for up to 30 days and attracts new infestations.
You’re not using the right products.
Did you know that lice are immune to the ingredients in over-the-counter head lice treatments? This means that the treatments you’ve been using on your child are probably not working. Plus, they often contain harsh ingredients that your child doesn’t need.
You’re not killing the eggs.
Many head lice products recommend a second treatment to kill off any newly hatched eggs. Unfortunately, head lice treatments have a hard time killing eggs, so you’ll need to do a second application.
You’re not combing or using the right comb.
Combing is still one of the best head lice prevention tools we have. If you comb your child’s hair weekly, you can remove any lice that turn up and prevent a large infestation later down the road. However, make sure you’re using the right comb, as some combs don’t get close enough to the scalp to pull out the eggs.
You have a large household.
Lice don’t usually present symptoms until there is a full-blown infestation, usually around 4-6 weeks. So, by the time one child has it, others in the household have already been exposed. To manage the infestation effectively, everyone in the household should be checked for lice and treated, if necessary.
Are Recurring Lice Infestations Treatable?
Absolutely! It is possible to get control of your child’s head lice infestations. Here are the steps to follow.
- Use the right treatment. Treat an active case of head lice with My Hair Helpers’ products. They are made from safe, nontoxic ingredients that actually work. Don’t expose your child to toxic chemicals! Get better treatment in a safer form!
- Follow the recommendations. Follow all directions for the best results. We recommend a second treatment to kill any nits that were missed in the first treatment. These tiny eggs will otherwise hatch and start a new infestation. You don’t want that!
- Comb your child’s hair. After an infestation, comb through your child’s hair after their bath or shower using this stainless steel nit comb. Do this daily for two weeks, and if everything comes out clean, you can gradually decrease combings. But, if your child is prone to lice, we recommend doing this once a week for maintenance.
- Use a mint repellent spray. To cover up the scent that lice leave behind, use our refreshing mint repellent spray. It smells great and gives your child extra protection.
- Tie back your child’s hair. If your child’s hair is long, tie it back in a ponytail or braid. This will prevent lice from climbing onto strands of hair.
Once a Week, Take a Peek!
Recurring lice infestations are not a sign of being dirty. But, it does mean that extra steps must be taken, such as using a different product and checking everyone in the household using the correct comb. At My Hair Helpers, our motto is: Once a week, take a peek!
To schedule an appointment with My Hair Helpers, contact us today. We can take care of everything for you – the lice check, treatment and education. Or shop online and find all of our products on Amazon. They can be delivered to your doorstep in no time!
