Free family guide · 5-minute read
A short guide to what to look for, when to ask a professional and how to follow treatment directions without guesswork or alarm.
A practical family guide
from checking to follow-up
A practical five-step guide
Every situation is different. Use this guide to organize your questions; the product label and a healthcare professional are the reference points for treatment choices.
The clearest sign of an active head-lice infestation is a live crawling louse. Check the hair in good light; a fine-toothed comb can help. Nits alone may be confused with dandruff or hair-product residue, so confirm what you are seeing before treating.
White flakes alone do not confirm live head lice.
Head lice spread mainly through direct head-to-head contact. They crawl; they do not jump or fly. An infestation is not a reflection of a child’s or family’s cleanliness. A calm response helps families act without blame or embarrassment.
Avoid sharing combs, hats and towels, and reduce hair-to-hair contact during play.
Products differ in age limits, directions and whether another treatment is needed. Choose a product suitable for the person’s age, then follow its amount, timing and precautions exactly. Do not combine treatments or apply extra doses.
There is no one retreatment schedule for every product. Follow the current label.
A fine-toothed comb can help with checking and removing lice or nits. Work through small sections and wipe the comb between sections. Follow the product label for checking, combing and any follow-up treatment.
Combing supports checking and follow-up; it does not replace product directions.
Get advice if you are unsure about the diagnosis or age suitability, if treatment does not seem to work, or if irritation or inflamed sores appear. Ask before treating young children, and bring the product package so its directions can be reviewed.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan.
A quick checklist
