How to Stop Head Lice from Spreading and Win a House Cleaner

With kids back in school so is the season for head lice. Public health entomologist Dr Cameron Webb helps us nit-pick common lice myths and misconceptions

"You must have direct head-to-head contact for head lice to move from one person to another," Dr Webb says. Lice can't jump or fly — they don't have wings. Instead, they crawl along strands of hair from one head to another.

This is one of the reasons why lice are most common among primary school children — they often put their heads together while playing, cuddling, or doing group work.

When it comes to sharing hats, towels or bedding, Dr Webb says the risk of catching lice is low. "Head lice love being on the hair, and love being in that warm, humid environment," he said. "As soon as they come off our head, they're incredible clumsy — they dry out and die quickly. "That's why it's unlikely you're going to pick up head lice from other belongings or household items."

While you might be tempted to do a spring clean, Dr Webb says your time would be better spent minimising head-to-head contact. "Take the time to make sure your children's hair is pulled back nice and tight when they're going to school," he said. "That's probably one of the best ways you can stop your child from picking up head lice in the first place."

To find out more about head lice and how you can remove them from children's heads, complete the NitWits education module below. 

As an added bonus, anyone purchasing any NitWits product during the month of February 2018 will go into the draw to win a house cleaner for one year or a NitWits Gift Pack valued at $50 each. Click on the link below to enter.

Article Source: www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-11-15/expert-advice-on-how-to-get-rid-of-hair-lice/9150290, viewed 6 February 2018