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How can schools and other organizations take proactive steps to prevent lice outbreaks among students and participants?
and Health
Understanding lice
Lice (pediculosis) are parasitic insects that live on people’s scalps and feed on human blood. Luckily, lice can be prevented and controlled through careful hygiene and preventive measures.
To avoid lice, it’s important to take smart safety precautions. Here are several tips on how to prevent lice from spreading:
- Avoid sharing hats, combs, and brushes with others. Keep combs and brushes to yourself, and wear your own hat every day.
- Keep hair tidy. Lice can’t cling to neat, clean, and tidy hair. Shear or tie your hair in a way that makes the scalp area difficult to access.
- Wash bedding and clothing regularly. If someone in your home has lice, it’s important to wash bedding, stuffed animals, and clothing that could be contaminated with lice.
- Avoid contact with infested people. It’s best to avoid physical contact, such as hugging and sharing personal items, with someone who has lice.
What are the health risks of getting lice?
While lice are not known to spread disease, they cause intense itching and can lead to an infection. Itching can be so severe that people may be unable to sleep or concentrate, and scratching often leads to a bacterial infection of the scalp.
The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the lice’s saliva, and this can cause redness, swelling, and sores on the scalp. This can lead to secondary bacterial infections such as impetigo, or a bacterial infection of the scalp which causes crusty sores.
Treating lice
If you think you may have contracted lice, it’s important to seek professional help. A doctor can help diagnose lice and determine the best course of treatment. Treatments may include over-the-counter medications or prescription medications. It’s important to follow the directions closely when using any type of treatment for lice.
Conclusion
Lice are not only a nuisance, but can cause significant health issues if left untreated. By using preventive measures and controlling the spread of lice, you can ensure your health is protected. If you think you might have lice, seek medical help to ensure that treatment is successful.
