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Expert Q&A
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| By Deborah Z. Altschuler Lice Expert | ||
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My 5-year-old has already had lice three times. I wash her hair every night. What could I be doing wrong?
While regular shampooing is, of course, important as a general hygiene measure, such shampooing will unfortunately not prevent head lice.
In terms of ending infestations, continual reliance on ineffective products will not only keep children infested but may put their health at unnecessary risk from overexposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Head lice are scientifically documented to be resistant to many of the drug store products.
It is not uncommon for parents to assume their child is re-infested when in fact the child has remained infested. Visual examinations of the scalp are very important but can fall short when there is an underlying problem close to the scalp undetected.
All roads lead back to the use of an effective combing tool to accomplish the all important proactive stance of routine screening (as opposed to shampooing), early detection and manual removal of lice and nits as soon as possible.
Proper combing technique is demonstrated at the NPA Web site video theatre. Click here."
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More Answers by this Expert
- How can I prevent my newborn from being infected with lice?
- My niece has continually had head lice for almost two months now and I am due to have my baby in about two weeks. Can my baby get lice from her holding him?
- What do I do to get rid of lice for good?
- My 8-year-old daughter has been invited to a slumber party. One of the girls invited had lice recently. Is it OK to let my daughter go?
- Are there certain times of the year that lice are more prevalent?