Head Lice Prevention And Treatment For Summer Camps

A case of head lice is something that many parents fear, not only for themselves but for their children. Contracting head lice is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, but some parents find it a very embarrassing topic. Whenever or wherever children are in large numbers the possibility of a lice infestation will be present. This is especially true for children from preschool age up to around age 13.

What are head lice?

Although they are called head lice, these small parasites can be found elsewhere on the body as well. Common places include eyebrows, eyelashes and behind the ears. Their young are referred to as nits. These tiny parasites have nothing to do with poor hygiene. Even the most clean and hygienic child can get head lice simply by having head-to-head contact with someone who has head lice, or by sharing the same hairbrush, bed or bed linen or other personal items. However, the most common mode of transmission is via head-to-head contact. This is why young children are more susceptible to infestation; they tend to place their heads together while playing.

How to prevent head lice infestation

Head lice prevention may be time consuming in some instances, but is not very difficult. However, prevention is maybe more important than treatment these days as head lice can become resistant to some types of treatment. Parents and adults should endeavor to wash items that children frequently share so as to minimize the risk of infection as a general rule. Bed linen, carpets, stuffed toys and other items that the infected child came in contact with should be cleaned to prevent re-infection.

Head lice prevention starts with teaching children some simple things to do. These include:

* Discouraging children from sharing personal items such as hairbrushes, combs, hats, helmets and towels. The sharing of personal items is common at summer camps when some children misplace their own or the parent forgot to pack them.

* Older children should be encouraged to wash personal items such as hairbrushes, combs, hats and scarves if they shared them with someone else before using them again.

Head Lice Prevention and Summer Camps

Summer camps present a prime opportunity for children to get head lice. Here children will tend to share more because sharing is sometimes the only way to get needed items. In summer camps, there are a number of ways to help prevent head lice. This includes using sprays specially made for camps and dorms.

Educating children is also important in the prevention process. Since it is almost impossible to avoid head lice entirely, when children return from camp, make it a habit to check their hair. If your child returns from summer camp and you find that they have head lice, get an over the counter treatment or visit your doctor for a prescription. Next, contact the camp or other parents you know and inform them.

Fortunately, there are companies that specialize in making products that help in the prevention of head lice in places such as summer camps. Some of these products include helmet spray, hat sprays and even mat sprays. Mat sprays are used where physical activity such as wrestling takes place on mats. Since children sometimes share bunks while at camp, bunk spray for beds is also a handy defense against head lice infestation. Fabric spray is also recommended for pillows and blankets to help prevent head lice.