Soon, all across the nation school buses will pick up thousands of excited children and head off for the first day of school. A new school year can be full of new clothes, new friends, and potentially, a new case of head lice. The National Pediculosis Association, or NPA, is pushing parents to thoroughly check all children, not just those that are school age, for head lice before sending them off to school settings. This September marks 25 consecutive years for the National Head Lice Prevention Campaign.

Pediculosis, or head lice infestation, is an easily-spread nuisance that affects children of all races, backgrounds, and economic stature. Parents need to be educated about what lice look like, how to eliminate an infestation, and how to prevent further reinfestation of their home. The NPA aims to educate communities and help them become proactive, preventing head lice from running rampant in schools. While it’s very important to check children upon their return from summer camp or childcare settings, regular inspection can prevent spreading lice to others in school.

The CombFirst! Campaign’s goal is early intercession, as well as, shielding kids from pesticide exposure that may not have been needed if other parents were informed and educated. Most lice killing shampoos have chemicals that may cause health issues and some lice are becoming resistant to current chemicals rendering them ineffective.

Most schools have a “no nit” policy; nits are lice eggs that are attached to the hair shaft by a sort of cement that adult lice create to keep their eggs safe. Many times, when a child has lice, he or she is sent home with a note, but no instructions for parents. If a parent has never dealt with lice before, treatment will most likely be ineffective. The very best, and most recommended, treatment for lice is thorough removal of lice and nits via a special, fine-toothed comb designed specifically for this purpose. Check children often and if sign of lice are visible: CombFirst!