Lice are wingless insects usually transmitted by head-to-head contact.
If you notice your child scratching his or her scalp a lot, check for lice. Wet-combing your child's hair is better than a visual inspection for detecting lice.
To wet comb, first coat your child's hair and scalp with any regular hair conditioner, then comb it out in small sections with a nit comb, available in most drug stores.
Once detected, there are few ways to treat for lice, including over-the-counter chemicals, prescription medicines and combing-out.
You don't need to spend a lot of time or money on housecleaning, since head lice don't survive long if they fall off and can't feed. But you should machine wash and dry clothing, bed linens and other items that your child wore or used during the two days before treatment.
Soak combs and brushes in hot water, and vacuum floors and furniture.
For more information, see the American Academy of Pediatric's guidelines for head lice.CLICK HERE for more.
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