Share

Preventing head lice

accreditation
0:00
play article
Subscribers can listen to this article
iStock

Prevention of head lice is difficult, especially among children, since lice spread quickly from head to head. If you discover lice on your child, notify school or day-care authorities immediately, since classmates are likely to be infected. Infected children should be kept home from school until they are treated.

Here are some tips on preventing lice:

- Teach children not to share personal items such as brushes, combs and caps.

- Wash hairbrushes, combs, hair clips and bands in very hot, soapy water, or soak them in rubbing alcohol for an hour at least once a week.

- In environments where children are together parents and adults should become familiar with the symptoms of head lice and treat infected children as soon as possible to prevent the spread of lice.

- Tying back long hair can prevent the spread of lice and weekly inspection of hair can help you detect any lice early before infestation occurs.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. 
Subscribe to News24
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE