Head lice, medically known as Pediculus humanus capitis, are small, wingless parasites that feed on the blood of human scalps. MayoClinic.com says "head lice are a very common problem, second only to the common cold among communicable diseases in children." It is easily treated by either over-the-counter medications or by medications doctors prescribe. Knowing its causes can help prevent recurrence.
Close Contact
Close contact with someone who has head lice is the most common cause of infestation. Because lice cannot fly, head-to-head contact is all it takes to spread lice from one person to another. MayoClinic.com states that pre-school and elementary school children face the greatest risk as they tend to play closely together. These children then come home and pass head lice on to their family members.
While this mode of transmission is hard to prevent, parents can watch for the signs of head lice to treat the problem as soon as possible. The most obvious symptom is incessant scratching of the head. At this point, carefully spread the child's hair apart and look for any lice or eggs that may be attached to the shafts of the child's hair. They look like yellow, tan or brown dots and usually stick to the shaft, making it difficult to simply pull them off.
Sharing Items
Another mode of transmission is sharing personal items. These include hats, brushes, combs and headphones. It can also be spread by sharing hair decorations like hair ties and barrettes. Whether or not your child has head lice, it is important to advise her not to share these items with her friends. If head lice becomes a problem, MayoClinic.com recommends soaking combs and brushes in extremely hot water for five to 10 minutes. The rest can either be washed or thrown away, depending on the item.
Household Items
Lice can live approximately 24 hours off the scalp on items like pillows, blankets and furniture. Should a person or family require treatment, all of these items need treatment as well. Begin by washing all clothing and bedroom sets in soapy water that is no lower than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow this by drying them on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. All furniture requires vacuuming and stuffed animals need to be placed in an air-tight plastic bag for two weeks.
