This Head Lice Help Guide was developed in partnership with RID® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Let’s talk about something no parent ever wants to deal with. Head lice! With kids heading back to school after the winter vacation this is a common issue many parents will likely experience in the next few months.
The most common times to spread head lice are usually right when kids go back to school. Either at the beginning of the school year or right after Christmas. It’s especially common for head lice to spread after the winter break due to an increased use of hats and scarves.
Now you may be thinking, “Oh we would never get head lice! We have good hygiene!”
Well, would it surprise you that hygiene has nothing to do with the spread of head lice? Children often get head lice from head-to-head contact with other children who do have head lice. It can commonly spread by sharing personal items such as hats, combs, headphones or headbands.
Which is why it is imperative to make sure your child never shares hats, combs, headbands or such with other children at school. Always make sure your child has their own and knows not to shares.
But sometimes even with precautions your kid still can get head lice! YUCK!
So what do you do?
Does my child have head lice?
First you need to be able to diagnose head lice.
The first head lice symptom is tingling of something moving in the hair. If you notice your child scratching his or her head often, check for lice.
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects and are about as big as sesame seeds and can be seen without magnification. However, lice eggs are about the size of poppy seeds and are difficult to see because their color easily blends in with the infested child’s hair.
Head lice hold tightly to hair with hook-like claws at the end of each of their six legs.
If your school has a breakout of head lice be sure to do a thorough check on all your children. It can spread easily.
Lice cannot fly or jump, but they can crawl very quickly. Which is why it is important not to share items that come in contact with the head such as headphones, pillowcases, hats, scarves, headbands, combs or hairbrushes. This is the best method of prevention.
Head Lice Treatment
If you find your child has contracted head lice, it is important that you take action immediately! You will need to acquire a head lice treatment.
RID is the #1 Lice Brand in America and is a must-have for families as kids head back to school.
You can pick up the RID Lice Elimination Essentials Kit or the RID Lice Treatment Complete Kit to ensure complete lice treatment from head to home. Both include scientifically proven products to kill lice and remove their eggs.
The full treatment requires 7 to 10 days. When all directions have been followed for the 3-step lice elimination process, you should be free of lice after the day of your final application. To ensure that you are lice-free, it is critical that all steps be followed according to package directions.
Day 1: Start Treatment
Disclaimer: Before starting treatment, read product label for full instructions.
- Step 1: Apply RID Lice Killing Shampoo to Dry Hair
- Step 2: Comb Out Lice and Eggs
- Step 3: Treat the Home
You will need to wash any bedding, clothes, and personal items that came in contact with their head to ensure the lice doesn’t return. Disinfect combs and brushes in hot water above 130 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 10 minutes.
You can also use the Home Lice, Bedbug & Dust Mite Spray from the RID Lice Treatment Complete Kit.
Day 2 through 6: Inspect the Hair for Lice & Eggs
If you see eggs or live lice before day 7, repeat Step 2: Comb Out Lice and Eggs
DO NOT repeat shampooing with RID before the 7th day. A second shampooing should only occur between 7-10 days AFTER the initial treatment, but not sooner.
Newly hatched lice are not mature enough to lay new eggs
You can get treatment reminders by texting RIDLICE to 877-67.
Day 7 through 10: Repeat Step 1 on any of these 4 days
A second treatment with RID Lice Killing Shampoo is necessary to kill any newly hatched lice. After shampooing, use the RID Lice Comb to remove dead lice and eggs.
Visit www.ridlice.com for comprehensive, 24/7 support services including simple step-by-step instructions, How-To videos and specially trained experts at the dedicated 1-800-RID-LICE hotline. Also find more help on how to get rid of lice!
RID is available at many mass retailers, drug stores, and grocery stores nationwide. To find out where to buy RID products near you, visit the store locator. Also be sure to check out the Coupons.
Before you face the terror of head lice make sure you are prepared! Teach your kids about not sharing personal items that come in contact with the head. Keep an eye out for the most common sign of lice – the itching! And if you find head lice, treat it fast with RID.
