Getting head lice is a common problem that can affect anyone, especially school-aged children. Lice are tiny insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood. They spread easily through head-to-head contact and by sharing personal items like hats, brushes, pillows, etc. Getting repeated head lice infestations can be frustrating and difficult to treat. However, there are steps you can take to help prevent getting head lice everyday.
Understand the lice life cycle
Knowing the basics of the head lice life cycle can help you interrupt it and prevent repeat infestations. Here are some key facts:
- Adult female lice lay eggs called nits that attach firmly to the base of hair shafts.
- Nits hatch in about 7-10 days, releasing baby lice called nymphs.
- Nymphs mature into adults in about 7-10 more days and begin laying eggs.
- Lice can survive for up to 30 days on a human host.
- Lice feed on human blood every 3-6 hours and die within 1-2 days without a blood meal.
The short life cycle allows lice populations to grow rapidly. Fully removing nits and lice through proper treatment is key, as any remaining can restart the infestation.
Inspect and treat family members
If one family member has lice, check everyone’s head thoroughly for live lice and nits. Use a bright light and comb to part the hair and look near the scalp, especially at the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Adult lice are small (2-3 mm long), oval-shaped, and grayish or tan. Nits are tiny yellowish or white oval shells firmly attached to hair shafts.
Treat all infected family members with an over-the-counter or prescription lice treatment. Follow product instructions carefully. Some treatment tips include:
- Apply lice medication thoroughly from roots to tips of dry hair.
- Leave on for the recommended time before rinsing out.
- Nit combing helps remove nits after treatment.
- A second treatment is often needed 7-10 days later to kill any newly hatched lice.
Treating the whole household at the same time is vital to prevent lice from spreading back and forth.
Practice prevention daily
Make lice prevention part of your family’s regular hygiene routine. Here are some tips:
- No head-to-head contact – Teach children to avoid head-to-head touching with other kids.
- Tie up long hair – Braid or put up long hair, especially at school.
- Regular scalp checks – Do visual checks for lice and nits every 1-2 weeks.
- No shared personal items – Don’t share brushes, towels, helmets, hair accessories, etc.
- Hats & scarves – Have children keep hats and scarves stored in their coat sleeves or backpacks.
Spot cleaning with items like lice prevention sprays or tea tree oil can also help. Be wary of lice “repellent” products, as most lack evidence for effectiveness.
Disinfect personal items and environment
Lice can crawl onto clothing, bedding, furniture, car seats, stuffed animals and other personal belongings. Take these steps to disinfect after treatment:
- Soak combs, brushes, hair ties and headbands in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5-10 minutes.
- Wash clothes, bed linens, towels on the hot cycle, then run through the hot dryer cycle for at least 20 minutes.
- Dry clean clothing and other items that can’t be washed.
- Seal stuffed animals and other items that can’t be washed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, furniture, mattresses, and car seats thoroughly.
This helps eliminate live lice or nits lingering on personal items or around the home. Be very thorough and repeat cleaning weekly during an infestation.
Avoid lice “hot spots”
Head lice tend to thrive more in certain locations and situations. Be cautious about:
- Schools & daycares – Lice spread easily in places with a lot of head-to-head contact. Notify the school if your child gets lice.
- Sleepovers – Avoid sharing beds, pillows, brushes and hats during slumber parties.
- Camps & sports teams – Lice spread easily in close-contact group settings.
- Movie theaters & planes – Avoid leaning back in seats; use a sweater or towel as a barrier.
Being alert in these high-risk settings can help you avoid bringing lice home. If exposure does occur, inspect and treat immediately before lice can spread further.
See a doctor for persistent cases
In most cases, diligent at-home treatment and prevention measures can get a lice infestation under control. But in some instances, head lice keep coming back despite your best efforts. See your doctor if:
- Live lice are spotted soon after finishing treatment.
- New nits continue appearing after multiple treatment cycles.
- You find lice after 3 weeks of intensive prevention.
The doctor may prescribe stronger medication, recommend professional nit combing, or investigate other underlying causes making lice difficult to eliminate. Getting evaluated is important to identify next steps and prevent ongoing infestation.
Conclusion
Head lice can be challenging to manage but implementing prevention habits can significantly reduce your risk. Check all family members regularly, treat together whenever lice are found, disinfect your home environment, and be cautious in high-risk settings. With concerted effort across all these areas, it’s possible to break the cycle and avoid getting repeat head lice infestations. Stay diligent and take both treatment and prevention seriously for the best chance of success.