How to Control the Spread of Head Lice at Summer Camp
July 22nd, 2009. Published under Family. No Comments.
Some children look forward to summer camps while some may not. One reason some kids have trepidation is the fear of head lice infestation. Parents also have some doubts about summer camp because they fear their child will come home with head lice. Nonetheless, while this fear is real much can be done these days to prevent head lice infestations.
Measures to Control Head Lice at Summer Camps and Schools
Previously the only measures to prevent head lice infestations were education. Teaching our children not to share certain things while it’s ok to share others was a tough rule for some to grasp. The rule was tougher still to implement, especially when their friends were sharing with them. These days there are numerous ways to control the spread of head lice at summer camps. These include:
* The use of special head lice shampoos and conditioners. There are many different types of shampoos and conditioners on the market that can be used to control and get rid of head lice. Any pharmacy can sell you the necessary items. This is especially important if the child has head lice prior to the start of summer camp. If the infestation cannot be gotten rid of before summer camp begins it is a good idea not to send your child or children.
* Use of bunk spray: Since children tend to spend a lot of time playing around in each other’s bunks at summer camp it is a good idea to be prepared. Using head lice spray made especially for bunk beds before use is advisable.
* Using helmet spray: Some summer camps encourage sports and other events where helmets and caps are worn. If your child is attending such a camp make sure to include head lice spray for helmets in their luggage.
* Teaching campers head lice prevention methods is one of the best ways to control the spread of head lice. Some of these measures mean not sharing combs and brushes or if they are lent to someone else to properly wash them before using again.
* It will be difficult to stop children from literally knocking heads together while playing or talking sometimes, but they should be aware that this is a main route of transmission of head lice from one person to another. Children should be discouraged from head-to-head contact as much as possible.
Education is Key
While head lice is nothing to be ashamed of, it is important to let children know this beforehand just in case. Getting head lice can be a traumatic experience especially for older children so talking to them before and after summer camp helps. It must be known however that total prevention is not possible especially where personal contact takes place.
One way to deal with this type of situation is to use lice spray for the hair. This will act as a type of barrier to the survival of nits, the eggs of head lice, in the hair. If products for head lice prevention are given to children to take to camp they should be taught how to use them carefully. To prevent problems or before you camp rules you should find out if they are allowed to take these items to the camp with them.
As stated summer camps are the prime area for children and teenagers to share personal items such as combs and hairbrushes as well as share each other’s bunks. With all the preventative measures now available there really isn’t that much of risk anymore. Check with your child’s camp supervisor to see what, if any, measures are taken to prevent head lice infestations.
Liz Solovay writes about lice prevention and lice removal for the Lice Treatment Center. She promotes Jolis Cheveux, a line of 100% natural head lice treatment products. Find out more by visiting the Lice Treatment Center at: http://www.licetreatmentcenter.net