1. Watch for signs of head lice, such as frequent head scratching. Anyone can get head lice…mainly by head-to-head contact but also from sharing hats, scarves, coats, hair ribbons, combs, brushes and headrests. Lice can only crawl – they do not jump or fly.
2. Check all family members for lice and nits (lice eggs) at least once a week. Only those infested should be treated. Lice are grayish-brown wingless insects, nits are hair colored, mostly brown, always oval shaped, and are glued at an angle to side of the hair shaft, close to the head to maintain incubation temperature. Light colored nits further out are old, empty – indicate old infestation (months to a year ago).
3. Be sure not to confuse nits with hair debris such as bright irregularly shaped clumps of dandruff stuck to the hair shaft – this is easily dislodged. Lice treatment is not appropriate for hair debris.
4. Consult your pharmacist or physician before applying or using lice treatment pesticides when the person involved is pregnant, nursing, has allergies, asthma, epilepsy, or other pre-existing medical conditions. Never use a pesticide near the eyes.
5. Remember that all lice-killing products are pesticides. Use over-the- counter treatments as directed and use with caution. There is little consistent evidence that “homemade” remedies work, and some can be dangerous. Nix and Rid is safe and can continue to kill newly hatched eggs for several days. Manual removal of lice and nits is the single most effective part of the treatment. You can also get a prescription from your doctor.
6. Do not use a cream rinse or shampoo/conditioner combination prior to using the product. Do not wash hair for 1-2 days after treatment. Use the product over the sink, never in the shower or tub. Keep eyes covered.
7. Remove all nits. This assures total lice treatment. Separate hair in sections and remove all attached nits with a lice comb, pet flea comb, or your fingernails.
8. Machine wash in hot water all washable clothing and bedding that the infected person has used for the 2 days prior to treatment. Dry in dryer using high heat for at least 20 minutes. Store all clothing, stuffed animals, comforters, etc. that cannot be washed in a plastic garbage bag and seal for 2 weeks. Combs and brushes may be soaked in hot water (not boiling) for 10 minutes or soaked in Lysol for one hour.
9. Avoid lice sprays. Vacuuming is the safest and best way to remove lice or fallen hairs with attached nits form upholstered furniture, rugs, stuffed animals and car seats.
10. Due to the life cycle of lice, from egg to adult, you must repeat the treatment in 7-9 days.
11. Notify your child’s school, day-care provider or neighborhood parents. Check for lice on a regular basis. This is the best way to protect your family and community.