Back to school season often means children are exposed to pesky head lice. Contrary to popular belief, these crawling insects do not hop or fly and can attach to anyone’s head. It doesn’t matter if hair is clean or dirty. Head lice infestations are predominantly spread through close head-to-head contact. A healthy adult louse cannot survive without the food source of a human scalp, so unless the louse is injured or dying, it is unfortunately hanging on for dear life and causing quite an itchy nuisance.
Since 2009, owner Nancy Fields and her partner, M.J. Eckert, RN, have run Lice Happens, a premier mobile head lice-removal service helping families in Northern Virginia. The duo takes pride in destigmatizing head lice infestations with their “No Shame, No Blame” approach to treatment. Passionate about educating others, Fields shares her best tips for outsmarting head lice and answers some frequently asked questions from parents.
Why does head lice seem more prevalent in schools today than in years past?
Children’s personal space is small, so kids interact with each other very closely, which translates into frequent hair-to-hair contact. Today’s technology has kids hovering together over personal electronic devices, putting children’s hair in close proximity to one other [and] increasing the risk of exposure to head lice.
In addition, head lice have developed a greater resistance to pesticidal head lice treatments [similar to] bacteria’s increased resistance to antibiotics. Many head lice infestations treated with over-the-counter or prescription pesticides result in multiple cycles of the original infestation.
How can parents prevent a head lice infestation on their child?
A sensible, low-tech approach to preventing an infestation is to keep hair pulled back. There are also known head lice repellants that are formulated to discourage lice from crossing over. They can be lightly sprayed onto hair prior to sending children out the door. Repellants are not a physical barrier, however.
What should parents do when they receive the dreaded, “Your child may have been exposed to head lice,” letter from school?
Early intervention is key. Parents need to periodically check children using a fine tooth nit comb on damp hair. This is the best way to prevent an out-of-control infestation should a child become exposed.
What is the best treatment plan?
Over-the-counter products have their limitations due to resistance to the active ingredients designed to kill lice and their inability to kill nits, [which are lice] eggs. Combing is essential. Even technology treatments recommend combing afterward. The Lice Happens approach is to start and end with thorough combing using our safe, non-toxic product that makes combing more efficient.
When should parents call in the professionals?
If a DIY approach evokes anxiety or a parent is simply short on time.
Will my health insurance plan cover head lice treatment?
Many current plans offer some or complete reimbursement through flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts. It’s best to check with your provider to find out if head lice remediation products or services count as covered expenses.
