Head Lice

With the school season starting again, how can I protect my child from head lice? 

Dr. Mark Says:

Next to the common cold, head lice is the most common disease that spreads among school children. It is not a sign of bad personal hygiene or living in an unclean home. Head lice can't fly or jump, and they're not transmitted by pets. They spread by head-to-head contact, such as while children are playing, or by contaminated items—such as hairbrushes, hair decorations, headphones, hats and scarves, towels, bedding or clothing.

You can usually get rid of head lice by using an over-the-counter medicated shampoo specifically targeted to kill lice. If that doesn’t work, ask your doctor for a stronger, prescription shampoo.

Make sure all household members and other close contacts are checked and, if necessary, treated. Machine wash in hot water any hats, scarves, pillow cases, bedding, clothing, and towels worn or used by the infested person in the 2-day period just before treatment is started. Items that can’t be washed can be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.

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