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Tips on Preventing and Treating Head Lice

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(NewsUSA) - They're itchy and crawly, and you certainly don't want them sharing your kids' pillows at night.

Experts say head lice are an equal-opportunity pest. It's a myth that they're caused by poor hygiene; they'll seek out any available human scalp. Since they're spread through close contact with a carrier, head lice are typically found on children who go to school together. Favorite hiding places for lice are bedding, hats, combs, brushes, toys, furniture, towels and car seats.

Here are some tips on preventing and treating head lice:

* Instruct your kids to avoid sharing hats, combs, brushes and other items that touch the hair with other children.

* Do not stack coats, hats - or other articles of clothing that come into contact with hair - in a closet.

* The most common symptom of head lice is extreme itching on the scalp. If you think your children have lice, begin by treating their heads with an over-the-counter lice treatment, like CVS/pharmacy Maximum Strength Lice Killing Shampoo. Available at CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide and http://www.CVS.com, this store brand treatment costs about $5 less than the national brand.

* Carefully comb through the hair with a nit comb. Look for a kit that includes tweezers to remove stubborn nits from the scalp, a brush for removing lice and nits caught between the pins of the comb, and a large magnifier for viewing hair as it passes through the pins of the comb to verify nit removal.

* Sterilize the home. Be sure to machine wash all bedding and clothing in hot water and dry using the hottest drying cycle for at least 20 minutes. If the item can't be washed, have it dry cleaned or seal it in a plastic bag for two weeks.

* Check for lice on siblings and other family members who have been in contact with the carrier