Head Lice

Head Lice (Pediculosis)

The dreaded word when school starts each year: Head Lice. Lice feed on human blood that can cause severe local itching. It can take 2 – 3 weeks for a person to notice the intense itching. Lice are spread through head to head contact or objects such as, combs, brushes, hats and scarves. Indication of head lice is usually itching at the back of the head and around the ears.

Parents of school-aged children should perform scalp examinations on a consistent basis to help eliminate the spread of head lice. If you child does have head lice, notify your child’s school and childcare center so other students can children can be checked and help stop the spread.

To kill head lice and make sure it doesn’t spread, parents are encouraged to wash all bedding and clothing in hot water. Furniture should be vacuumed. Combs and brushes should be soaked in hot water (>130 degrees). There are over-the-counter medicated shampoos that can be used to treat head lice. Also, going through the scalp and hair manually and removing the lice and lice eggs is essential in preventing the spread.

Some ways to help prevent head lice:

1. Keep long hair up in ponytails or braids.

2. Use hairspray to keep flyaways down.

3. Add tea tree oil to shampoo.

4. Use mint scented shampoos.

5. Educate your children to not share any brushes, hats, towels, earbuds, scarves, hair accessories, etc with other children.

A great way to help prevent head lice would be to use Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Conditioner. It is chemical free and healthy for children’s hair. Aveda also has a Tea Tree Oil that can be added to any shampoo. Hair with product in it will deter lice as well, Aveda has many leave in conditioners that are not harmful to young hair.

Stop in at Kalypso Salon to check out the Aveda products that can help eliminate a major headache for you in the future.

2631 Packerland Dr.

Green Bay, WI 54313

920-494-7764