Head lice high season: how to protect and treat yourself

Imagine this: Your child comes home complaining of itchy hair. You think nothing of it, but the next day it complains again. A close look will reveal small pesky parasites in your child’s hair: Head lice. Lice infestations are not uncommon, especially returning in the fall and winter peak season. It’s important to know how to treat and prevent head lice.
Head lice can be transmitted quickly from person to person, for example by sharing combs or hairbrushes, scarves or hats. Close physical contact also favors transmission. However, there are tricks to prevent and control lice infestations. In this article, you will learn what measures you can take to prevent or successfully treat a lice infection.
It is important to note that head lice are not a shame and anyone can be affected by an infestation. It’s also important to know that lice infestations usually have nothing to do with poor hygiene. In this article, you will find information on how to deal with a head lice infestation to avoid unpleasant situations in everyday life.

How to identify and treat lice

Head lice high season begins again! To protect yourself from lice infection, avoid close contact with people who already have lice. Sharing combs, brushes or hats can also lead to the transmission of lice.

If you suspect that you or your child are infected with lice, you should act immediately. The first signs are itchy scalp and small brown lice, about two millimeters in size, which can multiply quickly. Regularly check your child’s head for lice by combing the hair carefully and looking for eggs that look like small white dots.

There are several methods to effectively treat lice. One option is to apply special lice remedies, which are available over-the-counter at pharmacies. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to leave the remedy on for a sufficiently long time. Another option is to comb out the lice with a fine comb that has closely spaced teeth. Again, it is important to be thorough and patient to remove all lice and eggs.

• Avoid close contact with people with head lice and do not share personal items such as combs or hats
• Watch for the first signs of lice: itchy scalp and small brown lice
• Check your child’s head regularly for lice by combing the hair thoroughly
• Treat lice effectively with special lice remedies or combing out with a fine comb
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be patient during treatment