PROTECTING AGAINST HEAD LICE

TIPS FOR FAMILIES TO AVOID SPREADING HEAD LICE

shared-items

DON’T SHARE ITEMS THAT TOUCH THE HEAD:

Where possible, teach children to avoid sharing items such as hats, brushes and helmets with other children.

clothes

AVOID SHARED SPACES:

Encourage them to not share close quarters with friends.

up-do-hair

GO FOR AN UPDO:

When possible, have children wear long hair pulled back.

star-method

THE ‘STAR METHOD’:

Use the ‘star method’, where everyone is placed in a circle, with feet touching in the centre rather than heads.

clock

CATCH IT EARLY:

Catching an infestation sooner rather than later makes treatment more manageable. Learn more about how to check for head lice here.

clock-comb

ACT QUICKLY:

If you are notified of a possible outbreak near you, immediately check all the children’s hair, searching for nits close to the scalp or sores from scratching at the nape or behind the ears.

TIPS FOR CLEANING THE HOME AND PREVENTING RE-INFESTATION

dinosaur-toys

KEEP THOSE WITHOUT HEAD LICE AWAY FROM POTENTIALLY INFESTED TEXTILES:

Do not allow family members to lie on pillows, beds or carpets, or play with stuffed animal toys that the infested person has been in contact with, until they have been properly cleaned.

washing-machine

WASH TEXTILES IN HOT WATER:

Wash all clothing, bedding, towels and any other items the infested person was in contact with before treatment.

clothes-hangers

DRY-CLEAN OR SEAL NON-WASHABLES:

Dry-clean items that can’t be washed, or place them in a sealed, airtight plastic bag and store for 4 weeks.

vacuum-cleaner

CLEAN THE HOME:

Vacuum furniture, carpet, rugs, floor, car seats and any other place the infested person sat. Dispose of vacuum filter immediately.

washing-bowl

DEEP CLEAN PERSONAL ITEMS:

Soak the infested person’s brushes and combs in hot soapy water for at least 10 minutes, to disinfect them.