If you’re a parent, chances are you’ll face many battles—temper tantrums, bedtime negotiations, and, at some point, head lice. Yes, those tiny, unwanted visitors that make your kid scratch like they’ve got ants in their hair. The good news? Lice don’t spread disease. The bad news? Getting rid of them is a mission and a half. So, let’s talk about how to handle head lice, from spotting them to kicking them out for good.
What Are Head Lice?
Head lice are small insects about the size of a sesame seed. They live on the scalp and survive by feeding on tiny amounts of blood. They don’t jump, fly, or teleport (thankfully), but they crawl fast, making them tricky to catch.
Lice lay eggs, called nits, which stick to the hair shaft near the scalp. These nits hatch in about a week, and within another 9-12 days, they become full-grown lice. If not treated, this cycle repeats, and before you know it, your child’s head is the local lice Airbnb.
How Do Toddlers Get Lice?
Toddlers are naturally touchy-feely. They share hugs, hats, pillows, and even hairbrushes without a second thought. Lice spread through direct head-to-head contact, making crèches, playdates, and preschool prime infestation zones. Unlike what your ouma might say, lice don’t care if hair is clean or dirty. They’re equal opportunity pests.
Signs Your Toddler Has Lice
Excessive scratching – especially around the neck, behind the ears, and on the scalp.
Small red bites – these might look like a rash.
Tiny white or yellowish nits stuck to the hair, close to the scalp.
Live lice – if you part the hair and see something move, congratulations, you’ve found the culprit.
Treating Head Lice Like a Pro
Once you’ve confirmed your toddler has lice, it’s time to act fast. Here’s what to do:
1. Use a Medicated Shampoo, Lotion, or Cream
Head lice treatments are available at pharmacies. Follow the instructions carefully. Some treatments need a second application after a week to kill newly hatched lice.
2. Comb, Comb, and Comb Again
Use a fine-tooth lice comb to remove nits. This step takes patience, but it’s essential. Comb through small sections of damp hair and wipe the comb after each pass.
3. Wash Everything
Lice can’t survive more than a day off the scalp, but better safe than sorry:
Wash all bedding, clothes, and stuffed animals in hot water (at least 54°C).
Dry them on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
Vacuum carpets, couches, and car seats.
Soak hairbrushes and combs in hot water with shampoo for at least 15 minutes.
4. Check Everyone in the House
If one person has lice, chances are someone else does too. Check the whole family every 2-3 days until there are no live lice for 10 days straight.
5. Inform the School or Crèche
It might feel embarrassing, but letting the school know is important. This helps prevent re-infestation from another child who also has lice.
What Not to Do
There are a few myths floating around about lice treatments. Avoid these:
No DIY kitchen experiments – mayonnaise, olive oil, tea tree oil, or Vaseline won’t suffocate lice properly and will just leave your child’s hair a greasy mess.
No harsh chemicals – never use petrol, kerosene, or insect sprays. This is dangerous and won’t even work properly.
No over-washing – lice don’t spread because of poor hygiene, so scrubbing your child’s head five times a day won’t help.
When to Call a Doctor
Most lice infestations can be treated at home, but seek medical advice if:
Your toddler has open sores on the scalp from scratching.
Over-the-counter treatments don’t work.
Your child has skin reactions to lice treatments.
The Cost of Lice Treatment
Lice shampoos and treatments range from R50 to R300, depending on the brand. A fine-tooth lice comb costs around R30 to R100. If you go the professional route and get a lice treatment service, expect to pay R500 or more per session.
Preventing Future Infestations
While you can’t 100% prevent lice (kids will be kids), you can lower the risk:
Tie up long hair in ponytails or braids.
Teach your child not to share hats, combs, or pillows.
Do regular head checks, especially after sleepovers or crèche outbreaks.
Final Thoughts
Head lice are annoying, but they’re not dangerous. If your toddler comes home scratching, don’t panic. With the right treatment, patience, and a good fine-tooth comb, you’ll be able to send those little pests packing. And remember—getting lice is a rite of passage for most kids, so don’t stress too much. Just maybe keep the lice shampoo stocked, just in case.
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