Head Lice in Children: What to Do If Your Child Has Head Lice?

They're a nuisance, but not dangerous—and unfortunately, they're a lot of work: head lice. They don't spread diseases, but they don't go away on their own. But don't panic! These pests can be effectively treated. It just takes a little time, patience, and the right tools.

Head lice have nothing to do with personal hygiene. Anyone can get them, and no one should be ashamed of it. They tend to take hold especially in places where children play in close proximity to one another. Head lice live in the hair and spread by crawling from head to head. They stay there; they do not infest the entire body.

Head lice are tiny and not immediately visible. If your child complains of itching and frequently scratches their head, you should check their head thoroughly. If you spot any of these tiny creatures, it’s best to act quickly.

Important: Notify immediately the daycare center and other parents whose children your daughter or son has been in contact with in the past few days. You are actually required to report this to the daycare center. 

You do not necessarily have to visit a doctor’s office for treatment. However, you cannot get rid of head lice with regular shampoo. Home remedies such as mayonnaise, cooking oil, or vinegar are also generally not effective. Purchase a lice treatment and a lice comb at the pharmacy. If you obtain a prescription from a pediatrician, your health insurance will cover the costs. If your affected child is still an infant or toddler, it’s best to seek medical advice regarding treatment.

Follow the instructions for use. Let the treatment sit, then add conditioner, but do not rinse it out. Comb through the wet hair strand by strand. This may take some time. To help your child stay patient, you can, for example, let them listen to an audiobook while you work. After each combing, wipe the lice comb on a paper towel. If you find head lice there, comb through the affected strand again.

For two weeks, comb the hair just as thoroughly every four days. Between the eighth and tenth day, apply the lice treatment once more. You’ll find the relevant instructions in the package insert. As long as your child still has head lice, they must not attend daycare.

Some daycare centers require a doctor’s note confirming that the head lice infestation has been successfully treated before your child can return. Your pediatrician can issue such a certificate if needed.

Head lice survive only a few days outside the hair. Nevertheless, you should wash worn clothing, bedding, and towels at 60 degrees. Clean brushes and combs, and thoroughly inspect stuffed animals. If necessary, wash these items as well or place them, still in their packaging, in the freezer. Vacuum carpets and upholstery covers.