Head Lice Infestation Increases During Summer Months

Five Easy Steps for a Lice Free Summer

Los Angeles, July 9, 2001:
Head lice don't take summer vacations, warned Fran Marseille, upon return from an annual conference of summer camp owners. Marseille, the founder of Los Angeles-based Lice Angels helps families and public health agencies deal with head lice problems.

According to statistics, incidence of head lice cases increase during the summer months when kids spend a quantity of time in close proximity at camp. In fact, the amount of head lice cases in August is higher than when schools are in spring session.

Lice thrive anywhere kids gather, anytime of the year, said Marsielle Summer camps, whether sleep away or day camps are no exception. Lice are so common that kids are often checked for lice as they board the bus for their first day of camp.

Even if your child is staying home, Lice Angels advises parents to follow these tips to a lice-free summer.

1. Start with a clean slate. Before camp begins, check your child for lice. Use a comb to part the hair in one or two inch sections and look for lice and nits (eggs). If you find any, treat it right away.
2. Don't share head gear. This includes hats, sports helmets, combs, brushes, pony tail holders, head bands, hair clips, towels, walkman head sets, etc.
3. Wash n' dry weekly. Lice hatch from nits in 7-9 days. By cleaning once a week, you will kill newly hatched lice and prevent infestation. Wash backpacks and head gear in hot water and put in the dryer for 30 minutes. Clean the foam ear covers on head phones in soapy water.
4. Watch for early signs of infestation that include scratching or fiddling with the hair.
5. Stop infestation from spreading. If your child gets lice, inform friends and family to prevent further infestation.

If your child obtains head lice, Marseille suggests using a non-toxic treatment such as HairClean 1-2-3 Lice Remover (available at WalMart, Walgreen Rite Aid and Safeway also on the Internet at www.HairClean.com). Some lice are resistant to the traditional drug store brands, so I recommend using a non-toxic product like HairClean that has clinical studies to prove its efficacy and safety.

Questions? Write Fran Marseille at liceangels@aol.com.
Visit www.liceangels.org for free information.

For interviews: Amy Goldsmith, GK Communications 310-451-5427

View products now - HairClean 1-2-3 Lice Remover and MagiComb.