Head Lice

Head lice are tiny wingless insects that live in human hair and feed on blood from the scalp. They’re common in kids and spread easily through close contact.

Lice can make your child’s scalp itchy, and constant scratching might lead to irritation or even infection. If your child ends up with head lice, try not to worry. They’re not a health hazard and don’t indicate poor hygiene. Children frequently catch lice because they play close together and often share personal items like hats, brushes, and pillows.

To spot head lice, check your child’s hair and scalp carefully. Lice are small, grayish-tan bugs that you might see on the scalp or hair shafts. Their eggs, or nits, look like tiny white specks firmly attached to the hair, usually close to the scalp, often around the neck and behind the ears.

They look like tiny dots and can resemble dandruff. But unlike dandruff, they won’t come off easily. Wetting the hair and using a fine-tooth comb along with some conditioner can help you find lice or nits more easily.

If you do find lice or nits, don’t panic. It’s manageable and not an emergency. Over-the-counter treatments like Nix Cream Rinse, or other special shampoos and lotions, are effective. Follow the package directions carefully and only repeat treatment every 7-9 days if necessary.

For very young children or if you prefer a non-chemical approach, you can remove lice by hand. Comb through your child’s wet hair every few days until you’re sure there are no more lice or nits left. Removing nits is crucial because treatments might not kill all the eggs.

If the lice are still there after treatment, it might be because they’ve developed resistance to the medicine, so talk to our doctor if needed.

To prevent spreading lice, avoid sharing personal items and wash clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water. Vacuum carpets and upholstery that might have come into contact with lice. Encourage your child to avoid head-to-head contact and to not share items like combs or hats. If you notice your child scratching their head, check for lice and nits again.

If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, applying Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser nightly for two weeks can be an alternative. For any concerns or persistent problems, contact us for advice.