Don’t Let Head Lice Camp Out This Summer
Summer is near and on of the common activities that kids may be looking at is going to camp. While there is nothing wrong with that, the need to be aware that something may come back home with them if they are not careful. Things like lice which may come from another child which is really possible.
Head lice is a common condition – affecting six to 12 million children annually in the U.S. – spreading easily among children in group settings – at school, camp, etc. While there is no surefire way to prevent it, avoiding sharing personal items is definitely helpful in reducing incidence of head lice and controlling its spread.
The following tips from pediatrician Mary Ann LoFrumento, MD, author and producer of the Simply Parenting series of books and DVDs, may also help prevent children from spreading lice to friends and family members:
- Tell children not to share or borrow personal items used on the head or neck, such as combs, barrettes, helmets and headphones.
- Advise children to alert you immediately if their head itches (itching may not start until several weeks into the infestation).
- If your child is infested with head lice, wash all personal clothing, nightwear and bedding of infested persons with hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) or expose these items to the heat of a clothes dryer for about 20 minutes. Any items that cannot be washed or put in a dryer should be sealed in a plastic bag for at least three days.
- Vacuum soft surfaces to remove any possible trace of lice; however, lice can only survive about one day without a human host, so lice eggs in carpeting and on furniture will die on their own.
- If you suspect you or your child has head lice, call your doctor and ask if prescription OVIDE® (malathion) Lotion, 0.5% is an appropriate treatment. OVIDE is a safe and effective, FDA-approved head lice treatment that kills both lice and their nits (eggs), with one application, in most cases, and has no reports of resistance in the U.S.
- Inspect other family members daily for at least two weeks looking for any trace of lice or nits (eggs).
- Avoid close contact with infested persons, their bedding and clothing until they have rid themselves of lice.
“When it comes to eradicating head lice, I recommend parents speak with their pediatrician to determine the best treatment,” says Dr. LoFrumento. “Making sure the product kills the live lice and the eggs, has no known cases of resistance, and has a good safety profile are critical factors in choosing a treatment, such as OVIDE, that will quickly eliminate head lice and prevent the lice ‘life cycle’ from continuing.”
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