Head lice alarm?
Head lice have nothing to do with cleanliness and can be treated well
They are annoying, but not dangerous and unfortunately they make work: head lice. They do not transmit diseases, just do not disappear on their own. But do not panic! The pests can be effectively combated. It takes a little time, patience and the right tools.
Where do head lice come from?
Head lice have nothing to do with personal cleanliness. Anyone can get them and no one has to be ashamed of it. They especially like to nest in places where children play closely together. Head lice sit in the hair and transfer crawling from head to head. There they also remain, they do not infest the whole body.
How do I recognize head lice?
Head lice are tiny and not immediately visible. If your child is scratching their head frequently and complaining of itching, then control is in order. If you discover some of the tiny creatures, work is coming your way.
What to do now?
Important: Inform immediately the daycare center and other parents with whose children your daughter or son had contact in the past days. There is even a duty for you to report to the daycare center.
For treatment, you do not necessarily have to visit a doctor's office. With normal shampoo but you do not get rid of head lice. Also home remedies such as mayonnaise, cooking oil or vinegar usually do not work reliably. Get a lice remedy and a lice comb at the pharmacy. If you get a pediatrician's prescription, your health insurance will cover the cost. If your affected child is still in infancy or toddler age, better get medical advice for treatment.
How does the treatment proceed?
Proceed according to the instructions for use. Leave on, then add conditioner, but do not rinse. Comb out the wet hair strand by strand. This may take a little time in some circumstances. You can let your child listen to a CD on the side, for example, to keep him or her patient. After each combing, wipe out the lice comb on a paper towel. If you find head lice there, comb out the affected strand again.
Over two weeks, comb out the hair just as thoroughly every four days. Between the eighth and tenth day, apply the lice remedy one more time. You will find the appropriate indication in the instructions for use. As long as your child is not free of head lice, he or she must not attend the daycare center.
Some daycare centers require a doctor's note that the head lice infestation has been successfully treated before the child can return to the facility. Your pediatrician can provide you with an appropriate certificate if needed.
What else needs to happen?
Head lice survive outside the hair only a few days. Nevertheless, you should wash worn clothes, bed linen and towels at 60 degrees. Clean brushes and combs, examine cuddly toys thoroughly. If necessary, also wash
these or put them packed in the freezer cooler. Vacuum carpets and upholstery covers.