What You’ll Need:
Bright light (natural sunlight is best)
Fine-toothed comb (a lice comb works perfectly)
Magnifying glass (optional)
White paper towel (to catch anything that falls)
Steps:
Wet your child’s hair slightly (lice move slower when wet).
Section the hair and comb from root to tip over the paper.
Look closely at anything caught in the comb or on the paper.
Examine the scalp for redness, sores, or moving bugs.
👉 Still unsure? Take a clear photo and show your pediatrician or pharmacist.
🩺 When to See a Doctor
Seek medical advice if you notice:
Persistent itching or scratching despite treatment
Signs of infection (oozing, crusting, swollen glands)
You confirm lice, but over-the-counter treatments aren’t working
You suspect scabies or another skin condition
Your child feels embarrassed or anxious about it
💡 Bonus: Many schools and clinics offer lice checks—ask your nurse!
🛠️ What to Do Next (Simple Home Steps)
If you think it’s head lice (the most common issue):
1. Confirm First
Don’t start treatment until you’ve seen a live louse or confirmed nits close to the scalp.
2. Use an OTC Treatment
Try a lice-killing shampoo or rinse (look for permethrin 1% or pyrethrins).
Follow instructions exactly.
Re-treat in 7–10 days to kill newly hatched nits.
3. Comb Out Nits
Use a nit comb daily for a week.
Soak hair in vinegar-water (1:1) first—it loosens the glue holding nits.
4. Clean the Environment
Wash bedding, hats, and towels in hot water (130°F+) and dry on high heat.
Seal stuffed animals in plastic bags for 2 weeks.
Vacuum furniture and car seats.
❌ No need to bomb your house with pesticides—lice can’t survive more than 1–2 days off the scalp.
❤️ Final Thought: Most Cases Are Manageable (and Not a Reflection on Cleanliness)
Let’s clear up a myth:
Lice do NOT mean poor hygiene.
They spread through head-to-head contact—common in school, sports, sleepovers.
Even the cleanest kids get them.
And the good news?
✅ Head lice are not dangerous.
✅ They don’t carry disease.
✅ They’re treatable at home in most cases.
Your love, calm, and quick action make all the difference.
