For students, the start of the school year means new classes, new friends, homework and sports. For parents, it also brings the threat of the dreaded lice notice.
Historically lice is a problem with elementary age school children but lice experts are seeing a huge increase in teens and college age students with lice.
Why the increase? Selfies. If you have a teenager you know, they are always sticking their heads together to snap a photo.
What can you do?
Shave your kids head….just kidding! 😉
It is important to advise teens they can pick up lice from head to head contact. I’m sure you won’t find your teenager asking their BFF if they have lice before they snap a pic but they may think twice before going head to head, especially if there is an outbreak in town, if they know the risk.
Here are some tips how to prevent lice:
- Avoid head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact during play and other activities at home, school and elsewhere (sports activities, playground, slumber parties, camp).
- Do not share clothing such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, hair ribbons, etc.
- Do not share combs, brushes or towels. Disinfect combs and brushes used by an infested person by soaking them in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Do not lie on beds, couches, pillows, carpets or stuffed animals that have recently been in contact with an infested person.
- Some parents purchase preventative shampoos or natural tea tree oil or rosemary oil.
- If you know there is an outbreak, keep hair tied up. Some parents hair spray or gel the tied up hair.
What to do if your kid comes home with lice:
- Don’t panic, it will be okay.
Here are some websites with details on treatment of lice:
- http://www.webmd.com/children/features/what-do-when-your-child-has-head-lice
- http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20641598,00.html
- http://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/get-rid-head-lice.html
- http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/home-remedies-for-head-lice
- http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Lice
Any tip provided above is not meant to serve as official information on the treatment and prevention of lice.
UPTON DAILY 