Head lice in children: What to do in case of head lice infestation?

They are annoying, but not dangerous and unfortunately they are a nuisance: head lice. They don't transmit diseases, they just don't disappear on their own. But don't panic! The pests can be effectively combated. It takes a little time, patience and the right tools.

Head lice have nothing to do with personal cleanliness. Anyone can get them and nobody has to be ashamed of them. They especially like to nest in places where children play closely together. Head lice sit in the hair and crawl from head to head. They stay there and do not infest the whole body.

Head lice are tiny and cannot be seen straight away. If your child complains of itching and scratches their head frequently, you should check it thoroughly. If you discover some of the tiny creatures, it is advisable to act quickly.

Important: Inform the daycare center and other parents whose children your daughter or son has had contact with in the past few days immediately. You are even obliged to notify the daycare center.

You do not necessarily have to visit a doctor's surgery for treatment. However, you cannot get rid of head lice with normal shampoo. Home remedies such as mayonnaise, cooking oil or vinegar do not usually work reliably either. Get a lice repellent and a lice comb from the pharmacy. If you get a prescription from a pediatrician, your health insurance will cover the costs. If your affected child is still an infant or toddler, it is better to seek medical advice for treatment.

Pursue the instructions for use. Leave the product to work in, then add a conditioner, but do not rinse it out. Comb out the wet hair strand by strand. This may take some time. You can let your child listen to a radio play, for example, to keep them patient. After each combing, wipe out the lice comb on a piece of kitchen paper. If you find head lice there, comb out the affected strand again.

For two weeks, comb out the hair just as thoroughly every four days. Apply the lice treatment again between the eighth and tenth day. You will find the relevant instructions in the instructions for use. As long as your child is not free of head lice, he or she is not allowed to attend the daycare center.

Some daycare centers require a medical certificate stating that the head lice infestation has been successfully treated before the child can return to the center. Your pediatrician can issue a corresponding certificate if required.

Head lice only survive outside the hair for a few days. Nevertheless, you should wash worn clothing, bed linen and towels at 60 degrees. Clean brushes and combs and examine cuddly toys thoroughly. If necessary, wash them too or put them in the freezer in their packaging. Vacuum carpets and upholstery covers.