How to get rid of your child’s head lice is a common concern, especially for parents of young children in daycare, kindergarten, or school. Despite how widespread the issue is, many still feel embarrassed discussing it. Lice infestations aren’t a reflection of poor hygiene, and with kids heading back to school, the chances of lice spreading rise. Now is the ideal time to address this head-on. In this guide, we’ll walk you through detecting, treating, and preventing head lice in a simple and effective way.
Let’s Talk About Lice and How They Affect Your Child
A few days ago, our 2.7-year-old daughter came home from daycare with lice. Like many parents, our first reaction was panic. We’d never dealt with lice before and weren’t sure how to handle it. After taking a breath and doing some research, we realized that treating lice isn’t as bad as we first thought. The key is staying calm and being informed.
Lice infestations can happen to anyone, no matter how clean or careful you are. The important thing is to be prepared, so you can handle the situation efficiently when it happens.
Early Signs and Symptoms
We first realized something was wrong when our daughter started waking up at night, scratching the back of her head. The most common sign of lice is itching, caused by either the lice moving or an allergic reaction to their bites. If your child is scratching their head, especially around the ears or the back of the neck, check their scalp for lice.
Other signs to watch for include:
- Trouble sleeping (lice are more active at night)
- Red rashes or sores from constant scratching
- Seeing live lice or nymphs on the scalp
- Spotting nits (lice eggs) on the hair shafts
Treatment Options
When we found out about the lice, we consulted our pediatrician, who provided several treatment options on how to get rid of our child’s head lice:
- Chemical Treatments: Over-the-counter treatments like Nix Lice Treatment or RID Shampoo kill lice but often contain neurotoxins such as pyrethrins or permethrin. While effective, these can be harsh, especially for younger children. Always consult a pediatrician before using them.
- Natural Shampoos: There are pesticide-free, natural alternatives like Head Hunters Naturals Wipeout or Meticulice Head Lice Treatment & Elimination Lice Complete Kit, which use plant-based ingredients to eliminate lice.
- Wet-Combing: This method involves wetting the hair and using a special fine-toothed comb to remove lice and nits. It’s time-consuming but very effective if done thoroughly.
- Electronic Combs: These combs emit a small electrical charge that kills lice on contact without harming the child.
- Lice Repellents: Prevent future lice infestations by using lice repellents such as Ladibugs Lice Prevention Mint Spray or Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Spray.
- Shaving the Head: While this is an extreme option, shaving your child’s head can eliminate lice entirely. However, most parents prefer other treatments before considering this step.
Before starting any treatment for your child, make sure you follow these important steps:
- Notify your child’s daycare or school to prevent further spread.
- Check all family members for lice, as everyone in the household should be treated at the same time.
- Apply treatment to everyone in the household, even if they aren’t showing symptoms, to avoid re-infestation.
- Thoroughly clean your home. Wash clothes, bedding, pillows, carpets, and stuffed toys in hot water (at least 60°C). Lice can’t survive more than 24 hours off a host, but you can still get re-infected from items like furniture or bedding if not properly sanitized. For added safety, use anti-lice products designed for the home, such as the organic, non-toxic Eco Defense Lice Treatment for bedding, furniture, and more.
What We Did to Get Rid of Our Daughter’s Head Lice
Here’s how we got rid of our daughter’s lice in just two days:
- Shampoo Treatment: We used Licelogic Clear & Free Lice Treatment Shampoo, massaging it into her scalp for 15 minutes before rinsing.
- Wet-Combing: We carefully combed her hair with the Nit Free Terminator Lice Comb to remove dead lice and nits.
- Household Cleaning: We washed all clothing, bedding, and toys in hot water and used a household lice spray to ensure no lice lingered on surfaces.
- Daily Follow-up: For the next few days, we continued combing her hair and used Fairy Tales Rosemary Repel Spray to prevent a re-infestation.
Prevention Tips – Especially Important During Back-to-School Season
With the new school year in full swing, it’s crucial to take preventive steps. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of lice:
- Teach your child not to share hats, combs, or hair accessories.
- Apply a lice repellent spray each morning before school.
- Do regular head checks to catch any infestations early.
- Remind your child to avoid head-to-head contact with friends, which is a common way lice spread.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with lice is never fun, but it’s a normal part of raising children, especially during school seasons. There’s no need to feel embarrassed or overwhelmed. With the right treatment and prevention strategies, you can handle it quickly and effectively.
Have you experienced head lice with your child? What products worked best for you? Share your tips in the comments!
