Tis the season for LICE - tips for treating, and preventing!

When I was younger there was a rampant case of lice that ran through my school/daycare and then it was like a pandemic that felt like it was NEVER going to end. It was nuts!
As a single mom, my mom couldn't afford the continuous amount of times treatments were needed so she started using a vinegar wash.
Seriously it is never a fun day when you start going to school smelling like salt & vinegar chips. EVER
Fast forward to working within the Social Work field, I feel that I have had my share of lice experiences. Although my kids have yet to go to school so I won't count my chickens before they hatch ;) 

First of all, take a deep breathe, you can get through this. 
You will get rid of this. I promise. 

Second of all lets get the myth out of the way - Lice is not just a "dirty person's" problem.
And actually the cleaner your hair is the more the lice love your hair! Go figure huh?!!

Treating/Getting rid of Lice

The person(s) with lice need to be treated ASAP with an over the counter lice product. You can get these at pretty much any pharmacy. Shoppers Drug Mart has a good selection of ones such as Nix,  Resultz, and Zap.  There are also other lines such as the Eco Kid Lice Bomb that you can find at well.ca.




At another Shoppers I also found this Robi Comb, which seems like another good alternative solution.







A good nit comb is important. There are many to choose from but as long as spaces between the teeth of the comb are small you are good to go.  The Lice Squad suggests getting a stainless steel comb (they are easier to sterilize) that is in the mid price range ($12-$25) and one that has long tines (teeth). 


You will also benefit from a magnifying glass and good light as the Nits, also known as eggs are small and a lot of the time hard to see. They are generally at the "shaft" of the hair (close to the roots). Nits are white/yellow/brown in colour.

For items that can go into the washing machine and dryer. 
Wash and dry on high heat to kill any eggs. 

If you have items that can't go into the washer or if you have items that you can live without for a few days, place them in a air tight bag and let them sit outside for a few days. Lice can't live without a "host". Dry cleaning is also another option. 

Sanitize your brushes, combs, and hair accessories in hot water! 

Also remember to vacuum couches, carseats, rugs, and other fabric items. 

How to help prevent lice

Investing in a good shampoo with tea tree oil or adding some essential oils such as tea tree oil or mint  to a bath once or twice week has been said to work at preventing lice. 

Weekly head checks, especially by the neck and ears!

Teach children not to share hats, hair accessories, brushes, ear phones, etc..

If your child has long hair, encourage keeping hair in pony tails or other styles. 
(Check out these easy Frozen hairstyle tutorials on YouTube)



Still not confident that you can tackle this endeavour? 
A quick Google and Kijiji search will point you in the direction of some people that offer lice removal services for a fee! 

Good luck and again, I promise this too shall pass! :)