Just mention the word “lice,” and many people will shiver and start scratching their heads. Those little bugs can make a grown man cry! People associate lice with bad hygiene, elementary school, and camp, but the truth is, it can happen to anyone at any time. There was an outbreak at my son’s daycare center just this month. Thankfully we were on vacation and were lucky enough not to bring it home this time. But, it got me thinking more and more about it and how to handle it when it does come our way. It’s best to be prepared, just in case those little guys make it to your house. Welcome to lice 101!
Step 1 – Understanding
According to the CDC, head lice are small bugs that latch onto human hair and feed on human blood. They lay eggs (nits) that hatch quickly and cause the scalp to itch. Although the bugs do not jump or fly, they often spread quickly by close human contact and sharing hats, bedding, helmets, scarves, and dress-up clothes. This is why it is often found in classrooms and camps where people are in close contact. It is important to know that head lice is not a sign of bad hygiene! In fact, lice prefer to latch on to clean hair.
Step 2 – Prevention
The best thing you can do not to get head lice is to actively prevent it. I found the Fairy Tales Hair Care products at CVS and sprayed my kids with the hairspray in the morning before school or camp. So far, so good! There is also a shampoo and conditioner product to use if you choose. It’s also important to teach your kids that sharing hats, helmets, hair ties, and masks is not always a good idea. It’s impossible to protect your child from everything as a mom, but it’s a good start to teach them about lice, so they think twice before sharing these items.
Step 3 – Action
Stay calm! You didn’t do anything wrong. Your kid is not dirty. Your home isn’t either. It just happens. You have multiple options for dealing with it. You can do a home treatment that includes a super-fine tooth comb and special shampoo. These are readily available at CVS, Walgreens, and online at Amazon. In Fairfield County, we have several options for head lice removal salons. These are places that you can go where people are trained in removing head lice. If privacy or time is an issue, they can come to your house as well. Here is a shortlist that I found by a quick Google search:
The Hair Genies is a salon with 2 locations: Norwalk and Greenwich
Lice Happens has in-home services for lower Fairfield County.
Lice Doctors has in-home services for all of Fairfield County.
The Lice Treatment Center has an office in Monroe and treats lice at home, schools, and camps.
Step 4 – Healing
An infestation of lice in your home can leave you feeling tired and frustrated – not to mention grossed out! However, rest assured that it is not your fault and it has happened to many people that you know. You are not alone! Now you know some prevention steps and action steps to help keep them away. Remember to check your children and yourself regularly so that if lice do break into your home, you can take action immediately.