We want our kids to have fun this summer. After all, this is the only time that they are free from schoolwork and the weather is fine. But one thing threatens that fun: head lice infestation! In a tropical country like the Philippines, incidences of head lice infestation are very rampant, especially among young children, or even teens. Here are some tips to make your child’s hair lice-free (kuto-free) so that they can enjoy summer without hindrances.

Head Lice Infestation Among Children

Summertime is one of the most exciting seasons for children, with all the outdoor activities they can do. It is the perfect opportunity for them to go on vacations, embark on outdoor adventures, and spend quality time with friends. During these months, they create the most cherished childhood memories. Playing outside under the sun for hours with both old and new friends is undoubtedly an activity that creates the fondest memories. In addition, it builds a child’s confidence, communication, and social skills.

However, being exposed outdoors with other children also poses harm. In a study conducted by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of the Philippines, over 54.7% of the population of primary school children are infested by head lice, or kuto. It is a tiny parasite that feeds off human blood from the scalp of its host, which renders no benefit but rather pure discomfort, irritability, hassle, and other more serious conditions such as skin infection.

Tips to Keep Kids Lice-Free

With the goal to continuously raise awareness on head lice infestation issues and promote prevention, Lamoiyan Corporation shares tips and hacks to equip moms on how to achieve a kuto-free summer with their kids! Lamoiyan is the maker of Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo.

Minimize Head-to-Head Contact

Just to correct a misconception: head lice do not fly, hop, or jump from one head to another. In fact, their only mode of head lice transmission is through head-to-head contact and the sharing of personal hair accessories, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

During playtime, children may naturally put their heads together, and a good way to minimize these interactions is to put long hair in a ponytail or braid. A small amount of hair spray can also help contain stray hair.

Moreover, children may also be taught the importance of privacy and ownership of personal belongings to maintain good hygiene. It is best not to share their hair brush, comb, or hair accessories with friends. The best approach to instilling habits in children is to help them understand the underlying reasons – making it more likely they will follow through and eventually adopt the habits as their own.

Identifying the Problem

Always take precautions.

A John Hopkins Medicine article shared that knowing that your child is infected as early as possible is already the first and most important step in helping them. One of the earliest and most common symptoms is your child’s frequent head scratching, which is due to the itchiness caused by the bites of these tiny parasites.

The same CDC article said that the best way to confirm is to look for live lice on your child’s head. First, you must wet your child’s hair and dampen it a little bit, just enough to eliminate water from dripping. Then, use a special fine-toothed comb locally called “Suyod” to detect and remove lice.

Prevent Contamination

If a lice infestation is confirmed, containing the problem is needed to avoid its further spread, according to the article from John Hopkins Medicine. Anyone is a possible host as long as their scalps are inhabitable for the lice to survive.

This means that parents, people working in childcare, and entire families can be affected. Washing pillowcases, blankets, and any shared items that touch the head may help contain the lice. Nonetheless, head lice transmission through inanimate items is uncommon, but not impossible.

Reducing the Damage

While almost every Filipino household possesses a suyod, it is not a recommended tool for eradicating lice infestations. It may remove lice and nits that get stuck in the middle of the teeth of the comb, but it won’t essentially stop their spread.

In fact, pagsusuyod should only be done moderately, as too much use of the comb may damage the scalp, causing open wounds that allow germs and bacteria to enter the body and cause more harm. It is advisable to use it right after using Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo to remove any remainders—if there are any!

Using the Right Treatment

Avoid home remedies and use scientifically proven treatments. Home remedies such as petroleum jelly, mayonnaise, kerosene, essential oils, or olive oil are ineffective and pose adverse effects such as skin irritation and inflammation.

They can also reach the eyes of children, which can affect their eyesight. Using clinically proven products such as Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo exudes 100% confidence, backed by experts in safely eradicating lice in children. Moreover, this doesn’t pose side effects.

It contains pyrethrin, a natural active ingredient proven effective in eliminating head lice. Although it is indeed recommended to rely on natural treatments, it is always best to let scientists handle the science.

Conclusion

While lice infestation is considered the second most common problem in children, it is neither inevitable nor untreatable. With enough preparation and the right knowledge, mommies can be assured of their children’s safety while having fun under the sun. Making sure that children experience their childhood as free and fun as it can be is one of the best ways to express love and affection to them.

• To learn more about Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo, visit www.facebook.com/licealiz.