The Nits Epidemic: A Warning for Parents

School has just begun, which means that there’s a high chance that your kids will be coming home with lice infestations. According to the CDC, around 12 million children contract head lice in the United States annually, and no matter how many times parents get rid of them, these pesky creatures always find a way back. Let’s take a look at some preventive measures parents should adopt so they can minimize the risk of a head lice outbreak at home.

Read up on lice

A lot of parents freak out over a louse they find, not knowing that it’s probably from an old lice infestation.The best way to avoid false alarms and to catch symptoms early is to research lice and understand their lifecycle. Not only will this allow you to assess which stage the infestation is at, but it’ll also tell you what the best course of treatment is.Other than that, it will allow you to dispel certain conventional myths about lice.

Educate your kids

To make the process easier and more effective, you need to ensure your child’s cooperation. Educate them about the health risks of lice and tell them about steps they should take to avoid contracting lice. You can start by telling them to always hang their coats on separate hooks when they’re on a playdate, or avoid sharing items such as clothes, hair accessories, hats and scarves with other kids.

Look for lice at home

Self-inspection at home is the best way to get ahead of a head lice outbreak. You should frequently check your kid’s hair, back of the neck and behind the ears through visual inspection and the wet combing method. You can also check pillowcases, towels, caps, helmets, and bags for any signs of a live infestation.

Know what to do when there is an infestation

Sometimes, all the preventive measures in the world combined aren’t enough to keep these pesky creatures away. So if there’s ever a lice outbreak at home, the best way to contain it would be to know how to treat it. Since home remedies and over-the-counter treatments for lice are harmful and no longer effective, you should search for professional lice removal services in your area to contact in case of an infestation. If you’re in New York, visit Lice Troopers’ lice removal salon today! We use natural, eco-friendly and child-friendly treatments that can help you get rid of lice in one session. Get in touch with us at 800-403-5423!