3-Minute Guru

Head lice thrive in secrecy

BY AMY GRAFF

More than 12 million people in the United States will experience head lice this year. It infects people of all races, economic status and genetic dispositions, and it has built up a resistance to many over-the-counter remedies.

Due to the irrational social stigma associated with head lice, many people who contract it keep it secret from their neighbors and social circles -- behavior that helps lice thrive. When the information is not shared, one case can turn into a full-blown infestation within schools, athletic teams, and families, as well as increase the likelihood of re-infestation.

So, what can you do to help prevent these head-itching parasites?


Prevention tips

• Lice are spread through direct head-to-head contact or close proximity to items that come in contact with the head, such as hats, combs and brushes.  Teach your children not to share these items, and to avoid direct head-to-head contact.

• Know what to look for and how to identify lice early.  A louse is an insect with 6 legs, about the size of a sesame seed.  It is born clear, but develops a reddish/brownish color after it begins feeding. 
  

• The first major symptom can be intense itching of the scalp caused by louse feeding.  However, this behavior may not occur for several days or weeks.  Pay special attention to your child's behavior, and act fast if you notice excessive scratching.
  

• Invest in a good lice comb and check your family's heads every couple of weeks for evidence of head lice or their eggs.
  

• Keep long hair up and out of the way, and invest in an all-natural repellent.

• Lice cannot jump or fly from head to head.

• Lice are not attracted to dirty, unkept hair.  On the contrary, they like clean hair and scalps.
  

• Simply applying a lice shampoo does not eradicate a lice infestation.  There are no instant solutions or magic potions.  Avoid products that claim to completely remove lice in minutes or evenseconds.
  

• Head lice cannot live on your dogs or cats.  Head lice require a human blood source for nourishment, and will die within 24-48 hours without a human host.
  

• Check each family member.

• If you find someone in your family  has it, let other people in your social circle know. You can also send an anonymous email informing friends and family that they may have been exposed. (Lousecalls.com has a form.)
  

• Read more on dealing with head lice at MomsMiami.