Head lice are small insects that live in human hair and feed on blood that is drawn from the scalp, according to KidsHealth. Lice are not dangerous, but they are contagious and are commonly seen among children especially when school is in session. Head lice can cause an itchy scalp, some minor redness or swelling, and are often troublesome to remove permanently. Head lice, which can be seen with the naked eye, resemble dandruff or a sesame seed. Head lice don't live for very long once detached from their host, but once in your home, measures should be taken to completely eliminate them.
Step 1
Obtain an over-the-counter medicated lice shampoo or visit your doctor to have one prescribed. Wash your child's hair as directed, then go through the hair with a fine toothed, lice comb. Apply additional treatments according to directions if lice are still visible.
Step 2
Wash in a washing machine any bed sheets, blankets, pillow cases and clothes used by the affected person. The water should be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry them in your clothes dryer on a hot setting for at least 20 minutes. Take any clothing or linens that can't be washed to be dry cleaned.
Step 3
Vacuum the carpets, mattresses and furniture in your house and the upholstery in your car.
Step 4
Soak items such as combs, brushes, hair clips and bands in medicated shampoo or rubbing alcohol for one hour. Alternately, you could simply throw these small items away and purchase new ones if you don't want to go to the trouble.
Step 5
Treat members of the family who have been in contact with the affected person with medicated shampoo even if they show no signs of head lice. This step is not crucial, because if even a few head lice are hiding in someone's hair and lay eggs, the problem will begin all over again.
Step 6
Check each family member's hair periodically over the next couple of weeks to see if any lice survived. Check by separating sections of hair and looking down to the scalp and along the hair shaft.
Things You'll Need
- Medicated shampoo
- Fine tooth comb
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Vacuum cleaner
- Rubbing alcohol
