How to Reduce Risk for Head Lice

Head lice are a common problem that often peaks when children head back to school. Lice are parasites that affect millions of children each year, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Although lice don’t spread disease, they attach to hair to feed on blood, causing itchy, irritated areas that become uncomfortable. These tips can help lower the risk of lice infestations.
Discourage head-to-head contact.
Teach children to avoid touching their heads during play and other activities at school, home, and elsewhere. If heads and hair come into contact with someone who has lice, the bugs often spread to another person.
Avoid sharing personal items.
Teach children that certain items should not be shared, including hats, scarves, helmets, towels, combs, brushes, hair accessories, sports uniforms, and over-the-head headsets or headphones. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends soaking combs and brushes used by someone with head lice in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5 to 10 minutes to disinfect them.
Watch the environment.
Avoid lying on beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that recently came into contact with someone who has head lice.
Change hairstyles.
Styling long hair in braids, tight buns, or ponytails helps reduce the risk of head lice. Despite myths that suggest head lice are attracted to clean or dirty hair, lice are attracted to hair regardless of cleanliness.
Essential Oils and Sprays.
Various products on the market are made to repel head lice. Families can decide whether to try oils like lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil.
Head lice are troublesome anytime, but cases tend to rise when children go back to school.