What to do When Your Kids Have Lice

I received compensation from RID^® for this post. All opinions are my own.

Heading back to school after a wonderful holiday break can be so exciting! All the kids can’t wait to see their friends again, and parents are ready to get back to their regular routine. But what happens when your child comes home with the tell-tale sign–an itchy scalp, and you find out that there was a lice outbreak in your child’s classroom?

We had this happen to us. I have four kids in school and teach preschool myself, and although catching lice is less of an if and more of a when…I WAS NOT READY! My daughter said her head had been really itchy lately and asked if I would look at it. As I combed through her hair, I found the tiny insects right along her scalp. Then…I freaked out. How could one of my kids get lice? I bathed them regularly, kept them in clean clothes, how could this happen? After my mini-meltdown (and a diet coke and chocolate) I did a little research on lice and learned quite a bit. I wanted to share what I learned with our readers so maybe you are a little more prepared when lice strikes your house.

First: Don’t Freak Out! Lice strikes households across the world and it has nothing to do with hygiene, but is caught by coming in contact with someone who has lice. Unlike some people believe, lice can’t JUMP from head to head. They can’t fly either. Usually, the way lice is spread is by coming in head to head contact with someone who already is infested (and may not even know it). It can also be spread from the sharing of items such as: combs, hairbrushes, hair clips, hats, headbands, headphones, coats, etc. Here’s a quick How to check for lice video to help you out.

Next, get RID, the #1 Lice Treatment brand in America, especially RID Lice Treatment Complete Kit to help ensure complete lice treatment from head to home. RID is scientifically proven to kill lice and remove their eggs.

Start the 3-step treatment which will take between 7-10 days. When all directions have been followed for the 3-step lice elimination process, you should be free of lice after the day of your final application. To ensure that you are lice-free, it is critical that all steps be followed according to package directions. There are a few steps to the process, but it’s definitely worth it to rid your home of lice!!

Disclaimer: Before starting treatment, read product label for full instructions.

Day 1: Start Treatment (1-Apply RID Lice Killing Shampoo to Dry Hair, 2-Comb Out Lice and Eggs with the fine-tooth lice comb, 3-Treat the Home with RID Home Lice, Bedbug & Dust Mite Spray. Wash all clothes, towels and other washable items in hot water and dry on high heat. The RID Home Lice, Bedbug & Dust Mite Spray may be used to kill lice and their eggs on mattresses, furniture, car interiors and other non-washable items. Use as directed.

Day 2-6: Inspect the hair for lice and eggs. It happens quite often that you’ll miss eggs during your initial comb out. Continue checking and combing out.

Day 7-10: A second treatment with RID Lice Killing Shampoo is necessary to kill any newly hatched lice. (**DO NOT repeat shampooing with RID before the 7th day. Newly hatched lice are not mature enough to lay new eggs) If you need a reminder, you can sign up for texting treatment reminders by texting RIDLICE to 877-67.  After shampooing, use the RID Lice Comb to remove dead lice and eggs.

Check out this video to watch these steps in action.

During these 7-10 days, make sure that you do not share combs, hairbrushes, pillows, hats with others in your family, and wash all your bed linens and any fabrics often.

Finally, try to protect yourself and your family from getting lice again. Don’t share items that come in contact with your head, including keeping backpacks and coats separate, I know it’s hard in the cold weather with all of the extra gear, but you’ll thank me! Also, whenever there is a case of lice in your child’s classroom, regularly check your child’s head. It’s always easier to treat if you catch it quick.