This Halloween, the monsters you have to look out for don't live under your bed — they live in your hair. If you ask me, head lice is much scarier than any ghost or goblin.
If you were lucky enough to avoid head lice as a child, then you probably want to keep it that way. Moreover, if you have had lice, then you know exactly how unwelcome these little guests are.
Needless to say, having a case of head lice is not only a gross feeling, it's also extremely uncomfortable. If you're wondering whether having little bugs crawling around in your hair is itchy, the answer is a big "yes!"
There are plenty of things you can do to prevent the spread of lice, which is something you will need to be especially careful about this Halloween — when the little monsters really like to come out and play.
It turns out that costume season is also a prime opportunity for lice to spread.
Thumbnail Photo: Instagram/ Nit Hunters
The best part about Halloween for children is obviously dressing up and getting candy.
However, all the excitement can facilitate a breeding ground for head lice, according to Claire Roberts, CEO of Lice Clinics of America.
She told USA Today:
"Any time there are holidays and… friends gathered together, particularly young age groups, and they are hugging and putting their heads together — that’s how lice gets passed. "
Halloween is an especially popular time for lice because so many people are wearing and sharing things like wigs.
Something as simple as trying on a witch hat with some lice eggs attached could start an entire infestation. Afterward, you or your child could spread to other people.
Surprisingly, this isn't as much of an issue with costume rentals.
Why? Well, according to Roberts, lice die after 24 hours without access to their favorite food — blood.
This is why head-to-head contact is the most common way to get head lice. The parasites don't have to skip a meal or risk starvation.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, millions of people get head lice every year, and it doesn't actually have to do with lack of hygiene.
In fact, 6 to 12 million cases are reported every year for children between the ages of 3 and 12.
You can't always see the bugs crawling around with your naked eye. They are well-adapted to blend into hair.
However, you may notice eggs immediately in someone's hair. These eggs are often referred to as nits.
The best thing to do with a case of head lice is to use an at-home, medicated shampoo treatment that will kill and smother the lice.
However, the most important part of the process is removal, which involves combing through the affected hair with a very fine-tooth comb.
There are plenty of things to get spooked by this Halloween. Let your children know how to avoid lice so they can focus on make-believe monsters instead.
Make sure to SHARE this warning with your friends!
