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- 10 Steps Against Head Lice
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10 STEPS TO HELP KEEP HEAD LICE AND THEIR EGGS OUT OF YOUR CHILDS HAIR
ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL PEDICULOSIS ASSOC.-
Watch for signs of head lice, such as frequent head-scratching. Anyone can get head lice mainly by head-to-head contact but also from sharing hats, brushes, and headrests. Lice do NOT jump or fly.
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Check all family members for lice and nits (lice eggs) at least once a week. Only those infested should be treated. Lice are reddish-brown wingless insects; nits are grayish-white, always oval-shaped and are glued at an angle to the side of the hair shaft.
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Be sure not to confuse nits with hair debris such as bright white irregularly-shaped clumps of dandruff stuck to the hair shaft or elongated segments of dandruff encircling the hair shaft and easily dislodged. Lice treatment is not appropriate for debris.
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Consult your pharmacist or physician before applying or using lice treatment pesticides when the person involved is pregnant, nursing, has allergies, asthma, epilepsy, pre-existing medical conditions, or has lice or nits in the eyebrows or eyelashes. Never use a pesticide near the eyes.
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Remember, most lice-killing products are pesticides. If you choose to purchase an over-the-counter treatment follow the directions carefully and use it with caution. Manual removal is the best alternative whenever possible and especially when treatment products have failed.
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Follow package directions carefully. Use the product over the sink, not in the tub or shower. Always keep eyes covered.
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Remove all nits. This assures total lice treatment. Separate hair in sections and remove all attached nits with a lice comb, baby safety scissors, or your fingernails.
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Wash bedding and recently worn clothing in hot water and dry in a hot dryer. Combs and brushes may be soaked in hot water (not boiling) for 10 minutes.
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Avoid lice sprays. Vacuuming is the safest and best way to remove lice or fallen hairs with the attached nits from upholstered furniture, rugs, stuffed animals or car seats.
- Notify your child's school, camp, child care provider and neighborhood parents. Check for lice on a regular basis. This is the best way to protect your family and community.
Click here for more information about preventing lice.
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