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A common problem among children is head lice, particularly when they are in close contact such as daycare centers and elementary schools. Lice can live in numerous places on the head including the scalp, facial hair and eyebrows. Lice can also travel to places other than the head and become pubic lice or body lice.

Unlike popular belief, headlice crawl from one place to the next, and do not fly (they do not have wings). A female louse can lay 50 to 100 eggs called nits, before dying. A sticky substance attaches the nits to the hairs, making them difficult to remove them manually from the hair shaft. Once a nit is laid and left by the female louse, it takes about 10 days to mature into an adult.

When a child is determined to have headlice, often noticed by a teacher or school nurse, many parents first ask how to get rid of head lice. There are several lice shampoo products, all of which can be obtained at a local pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist for suggestions on not only shampoo products, but other products like lice combs. Some also may want to try herbal treatments, which can include tea tree oil or cococut oil.

The living spaces that children live in should also be treated for lice. These locations include their bedroom, living room and play areas. Vacuuming daily is recommended to remove loose lice and nits. Soft items such as clothing, stuffed animals, and bedding should be washed in hot water and dried on the hottest setting.

Prevention of lice is sometimes impossible, but practicing good hygiene is important. Instruct your child not to share hats, helmets, or hooded clothing with other children. Wipe off items like headphones between use. Frequently check your child for any signs of headlice, which can include white spots that do not comb off easily, and watch your child for frequent itching or scratching of the head.

Once you are sure that your child has head lice, notify the school nurse and your child's teachers immediately. This way, you may be able to stop the infested child from spreading lice to other children; your child will probably need to stay out of school until it is clear that your child no longer has any lice or nits in his or her hair. Call your school for exact requirements.

Headlice is a common problem that affects children in most schools. A female adult, called a louse, lays eggs that then mature and attach themselves to human hair. Anyone who has ever had lice wants to know how to get rid of head lice quickly. Lice are very itchy and can disturb people who are carrying them. The best way to get rid of the critters is to treat your hair with lice shampoo. You can find this over the counter in drug stores or you can get it prescribed by a doctor. In addition to using the shampoo, you will have to wash all your clothes and bedding.