How do you get head lice? Direct head-to-head contact. Through indirect contact such as combs, hats, brushes.   How do you treat head lice? Use the chemical shampoo and remove all the eggs. OR Use the "Wet Combing" method. This is a non-chemical method to remove lice and all the eggs but it is only 38% effective.  See link below. http://www.cks.library.nhs.uk/patient_information_leaflet/head_lice

Should I sterilize the entire house every time my child comes home with head lice?

• Wash combs, brushes, towels, and anything else used in treatment with hot soapy water.
• Wash items used in the past 2 days: clothes, hats, pillowcases, sheets, and stuffed animals. Wash in hot water and dry in a hot dryer.
• Seal items that cannot be washed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
• Vacuum or wash the child's car seat cover.
• Vacuum to pick up stray lice or eggs.
• Excessive cleaning is not needed.
• Do not use insecticide sprays.

Do I have to treat everyone in the house for head lice?

• Only people who have head lice should be treated.
• Pets do not get head lice.

How do you prevent head lice?

• Check your child’s head routinely for head lice.
• Discourage children from sharing clothing, towels, combs etc.
• Teatree oil and hair styling products such as hair gel or mousse have not been proven effective in prevention of head lice.

References:

Canadian Paediatric Society. (2004). Head lice infestations: A clinical update. [Electronic version]. Paediatrics & Child Health, 9(9),647-651.

Center for Disease Control. (2005). Treating head lice infestations. Retrieved July 17, 2007 from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lice/factsht_head_lice_treating.htm#how_treat

Mazurek, C., Lee, N. (2000). How to manage head lice. [Electronic version]. Western Journal Medicine, 172,342-235.

Pollack, Richard J. (Harvard School of Public Health). (2007). Head lice information. Retrieved July 17, 2007 from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice.html

Links:

Caring for Kids - Canadian Paediatric Society
Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lice/factsht_head_lice_treating.htm#how_treat

CKS (Clinical Knowledge Summaries) Wet Combing
http://www.cks.library.nhs.uk/patient_information_leaflet/head_lice

Harvard School of Public Health
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice.html