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Expert Q&A
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| By Deborah Z. Altschuler Lice Expert | ||
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What do I do to get rid of head lice for good?
There is no 100 percent guaranteed way to prevent head lice altogether, but a serious emphasis on routine screening and early detection goes a long way. Routine combing with an effective combing tool can collect them from the hair even before one knows they have them. The best analogy is to compare it to brushing teeth. Brushing teeth doesn't guarantee there won't be cavities, but it sure gives one the competitive edge -- and -- when the dentist says, ""Hooray! No cavities,"" it doesn't mean you get to stop brushing.
Screening for head lice is the same in terms of being a routine. The intent is to identify the presence of lice and nits as early as possible and physically remove them. This approach can successfully prevent panic, worry and inappropriate responses with pesticide shampoos. One cannot and should not chase lice with chemicals. Each day is a new opportunity to become infested. A non-chemical manual approach emphasizing early detection is the method recommended by the National Pediculosis Association. A new Web site with concise instructions for parents is part of September's National Head Lice Prevention campaign, The All Out Comb Out at www.doit4thekids.org. The Web site encourages a community-wide awareness before outbreaks occur.
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More Answers by this Expert
- How can I prevent my newborn from being infected with lice?
- My niece has continually had head lice for almost two months now and I am due to have my baby in about two weeks. Can my baby get lice from her holding him?
- What do I do to get rid of lice for good?
- My 8-year-old daughter has been invited to a slumber party. One of the girls invited had lice recently. Is it OK to let my daughter go?
- Are there certain times of the year that lice are more prevalent?
