Prevent Head Lice at Summer Camps

Summer is quickly approaching in most parts of the U.S. Children are starting to get excited about summer camps and all the fun they will have with their friends. Parents are aware of all the potential issues and risks involved with summer camps. Accidents, skinned knees and other small issues are taken care of by camp staff.

But what about things like head lice? Parents may not be aware that there are indeed ways to decrease the chances their child will come home with extra visitors. Products that may prevent head lice include daily shampoos, conditioners, leave-in spray, bunk spray, fabric spray and helmet spray.

The best way to prevent spreading head lice to other children is to not let your child attend summer camp if they have head lice. Some people feel it is an embarrassing subject and would rather not have to explain why their child can't go to summer camp this year. Instead, they ignore the problem and let their child have fun. Unfortunately, this causes other children to become infested and take the little unwanted visitors home to their own families. In this case, take the initiative and buy special shampoo, conditioner and sprays that your child can take with them to summer camp. Do not send your child to summer camp with harmful insecticides. Opt to use sprays that are formulated for daily use and do not include harsh chemicals. It is very important to understand and educate your child on head lice prevention practices.

Educate Children about Head Lice

Children are often too trusting or do not understand the risks involved in sharing something as harmless as a hair brush or helmet. You don't want your child to become obsessed or afraid of certain things, but they do need to understand that sometimes it's not ok to share their things. Here are a few things your child should know in order to help prevent head lice infestations:

* Don't play head-to-head, even for critical thinking or strategic planning against the opposing team. Head-to-head or hair-to-hair contact can spread head lice.

* Avoid sharing items that touch other children's heads. Hats, helmets, scarves, towels, hair brushes, combs and hair barrettes are primary ways head lice are transported from person to person.

* Do not share a pillow or bunk with someone who has head lice.

* Keep their belongings in an area away from others. Hang their coat and hat on a separate hook instead of overlapping someone else's.

* If you choose to purchase a bunk spray, fabric spray or helmet spray, teach your child how to properly use the products. Check with the camp director to be sure it is ok for your child to bring such sprays with them.

* Explain the importance of using their lice prevention shampoo and conditioner.

In the event that your child does bring extra visitors home from summer camp, be prepared ahead of time. Wash all clothing, brushes, combs and bedding in hot water; water temperature needs to be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Products that cannot be washed in hot water can be stored in an airtight plastic bag for two weeks to ensure any live adult head lice are dead and eggs that may have hatched into nymphs are also dead. Just because your child may contract head lice from summer camp doesn't mean they shouldn't be allowed to attend.

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