If you have hair (and kids), chances are someone in your family will host lice at some point. Lice have been around since ancient times. In fact, if lice had a family tree, it would probably include dinosaurs. They are stubborn little guests who never bring snacks to the sleepover and never know when to leave.
How do lice spread?
Head lice are tiny insects that move from one person to another through direct head-to-head contact. They do not jump or fly, but crawl quietly from one scalp to the next like sneaky little ninjas. While they can sometimes spread through shared hats, brushes, or pillows, direct hair-to-hair contact is their main highway.
And no, having lice is not a sign of poor hygiene. Unfortunately, they do not care if your child uses fancy shampoo or soap shaped like unicorns. Lice will nest in clean or dirty hair. It is like they got the invitation and RSVP’d “Yes, we’ll be there with the whole family.”
What are the signs of lice?
The classic sign is itching, caused by their bites and saliva irritating the scalp. If you suspect lice, part your child’s hair and look close to the scalp, behind the ears and at the back of the neck. You may see live lice crawling around (I know, they give us the heeby jeebies, too). Their eggs, called nits, are small oval specks that stick stubbornly to hair shafts. Unlike dandruff, nits do not just brush away.
If one person in the household has lice, check everyone else.
How do you get rid of lice?
First-line treatment is using medicated shampoos like permethrin along with thorough combing to remove the nits. Apply the shampoo once and repeat after about a week to catch any newly hatched lice. But beware, some lice have developed resistance to permethrin.
If the shampoo does not work, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments. Combing out nits with a fine-tooth lice comb is essential. Conditioners can make combing easier by detangling the hair, but sadly, conditioners do not suffocate lice.
Do you need to clean your entire house?
Good news: Lice do not survive long once off the human scalp. There is no need to fumigate your home. Wash bedding, hats and brushes with hot soapy water and dry them on high heat. For items you cannot wash, such as stuffed animals, put them in a plastic bag for up to two weeks.
Can my child go back to school?
Yes. Children can return to school once treatment has started.
How can you prevent lice?
There is no perfect way to avoid lice, but teach kids not to share hats, brushes or hair ties. After sleepovers or camp, do a quick hair check. Catching lice early is much easier than dealing with a full-blown colony of these clingy squatters.
Final thoughts
If lice come knocking, do not panic. They are annoying but manageable. With the right shampoo, a good comb and a sense of humor, you will show them the door in no time. Remember, lice might be persistent, but parents are always stronger.
About the author
Mutsa Nyakabau, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician at the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. He sees patients at the Kaiser Permanente Ashburn Medical Center.
Mutsa Nyakabau, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician at the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. He sees patients at the Kaiser Permanente Ashburn Medical Center.
Mutsa Nyakabau, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician at the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. He sees patients at the Kaiser Permanente Ashburn Medical Center.
