#  >> K-12 >> Preschool

How to Detect Lice and Treat It

A very common problem, head lice affects millions of people each year, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lice infestations are especially common in kids who attend daycare, preschool and elementary school. Lice can spread from person to person by sharing personal items such as brushes, hats or clothes, and they are not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Check your child for lice if there has been an outbreak at school.

Things You'll Need

  • Lice shampoo
  • Lice comb
  • Trash bags (optional)
  • Vacuum
Show More

Instructions

  1. How to Detect Head Lice

    • 1

      Check for symptoms of lice, including intense itching and red bumps on the scalp.

    • 2

      Look for adult lice on the scalp. Examine the area behind the ears and on the back of the neck. Lice are small – about the size of a strawberry seed – so look closely.

    • 3

      Look for nits on the scalp. Nits are very small and sometimes mistaken for dandruff.

    How to Treat Head Lice

    • 4

      Wash hair with a lice shampoo containing either pyrethrin or permethrin. Follow the directions carefully.

    • 5

      Use a lice comb to help remove all the lice eggs from the hair.

    • 6

      Wash all clothing and bedding that has been near the person with the lice. Wash all toys and stuffed animals. It you have items that cannot be washed, put them in sealed trash bag for two weeks. The lice cannot live without a host and will die on their own.

    • 7

      Vacuum the home thoroughly.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved