Headlice is a rather common problem, especially among children who are in frequent close contact, like daycare centers or elementary schools. Lice live not only on the scalp, but can also travel to other hair on the head, including facial hair and eyebrows. Lice in hair other than the head are either pubic lice or body lice.

Unlike popular belief, headlice crawl from one place to the next, and do not fly (they do not have wings). A female louse can lay 50 to 100 eggs called nits, before dying. A sticky substance attaches the nits to the hairs, making them difficult to remove them manually from the hair shaft. Once a nit is laid and left by the female louse, it takes about 10 days to mature into an adult.

When it is determined that your child has head lice, it is often noticed by a school nurse or teacher. Many parents first question is about how to get rid of head lice. There are many lice shampoo products, which all can be bought at a local pharmacy. Just as your pharmacist for a suggestion on shampoo products, and lice combs. There are also herbal treatments which involve tea tree oil, or coconut oil.

The living spaces that children live in should also be treated for lice. These locations include their bedroom, living room and play areas. Vacuuming daily is recommended to remove loose lice and nits. Soft items such as clothing, stuffed animals, and bedding should be washed in hot water and dried on the hottest setting.

Preventing lice is sometimes a losing battle, but teaching good hygiene is extremely important. Teaching children not to share items such as hats, helmets, or hooded clothing is essential. Also wiping off things such as headphones is helpful. Check your child for signs of head lice. Signs include repeated itching or scratching of the scalp and white spots that will not come off with a comb.

Once you are sure that your child has head lice, notify the school nurse and your child's teachers immediately. This way, you may be able to stop the infested child from spreading lice to other children; your child will probably need to stay out of school until it is clear that your child no longer has any lice or nits in his or her hair. Call your school for exact requirements.