What To do If Your child Has Head Lice.

Parents, if you have a child between the ages of 3 to 11 years of age , the problem of head lice may pose a problem. That's the age span when most are often infected by those pesky parasitic insects. These insects are often transferred by someone who, has head lice and spreads them by sharing combs, hats etc. Head lice are a common problem . It is estimated that 12 million to 20 million people are infested each year in the United States alone. Wondering what are head lice ? Head lice are tiny insects with claws that grab at your hair shaft. Head lice are usually found near the scalp in children's hair as well as some adults. These insects, can dwell around the eyebrows and eyelashes . Head lice do bite and it causes an allergic reaction such as itching. The eggs of head lice , called nits, are found mostly at the hair shaft often mistaken as dandruff. As nits , grow into head lice the take on the size of a small grain mainly, a sesame seed. Did you know by feeding on human blood head lice can live up to a month on your head , especially a child. They tend to die off in about 2 days after falling off of a person. How are head lice spread? Head lice are passed from person to person , clothing. Children often share things and the infected child will pass it on. It's almost like catching a cold . You can prevent your child from catching head lice by educating your child not to share clothing,combs,or other objects such as towels,brushes,stuffed animals, pillows. Check your child each day for any unusual scratching near the head. Wash your child's hair every week if possible. Children love to play in the playground and there are all kinds of germs and pesky insects lurking about. So after your is finish playing outdoor that is the best time to check. Head lice move away from light and you will see them . If your unsure that your child may have head lice, you can check with your child's health provider or school nurse. There are plenty of over the counter solutions that will help your remove the nits in your child's hair. Also , please was their bedding ,clothing ,stuffed animals in hot water. If your child shares a bed with an sibling, please treat them as well.