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What are the potential risks of leaving lice untreated?
and Healthy
Finding out that your child has come home from school with lice can be quite alarming. Not only can lice be a bothersome and embarrassing problem, but it can also compromise your child’s health and wellbeing. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent lice infestations and keep your child safe.
Educate Yourself about Lice
It’s important to be aware of how lice spread and the symptoms of infestation. Head lice can spread through close physical contact, including sharing objects like brushes and hats. The insects cause an itchy scalp and are not contagious.
Check Your Child’s Hair
Regularly check your child’s hair, especially during peak lice season. Be sure to look for the small, white eggs, or nits, attached to the hair shaft. Pay attention to any itching or irritation on their scalp. If you suspect your child has lice, visit your local doctor for a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Initiate Treatment Immediately
If your child does have lice, it’s important to start treatment as quickly as possible. Your doctor can suggest an effective medical product that will help eradicate the lice. Follow directions carefully and contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Inform the School and Other Caregivers
If your child does have lice, it is important to let the school and any other caregivers know so that they can take steps to prevent further spread. It also helps to notify anyone your child has been in close contact with in case they need to check their own hair.
Encourage Hygiene Habits
There are a few hygiene habits that can help lessen your child’s chances of getting lice. Encourage your child to avoid sharing brushes, hats, helmets, and other personal items. It’s also important to keep your child’s hair clean and free of tangles to reduce the chances of a lice infestation.
Keep Your Child Safe from Lice
Although outbreaks of head lice in schools can be worrying, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect your child from lice and keep them healthy. Educate yourself and your child about the signs and symptoms, and check for lice on a regular basis. If your child does have lice, be sure to start treatment immediately and inform the school. By following these tips, you can help keep your child safe from lice and ensure their health and wellbeing.
