Should I treat or clean my home if someone in my home has head lice?
Clothes, bedding, and towels used by a person with head lice two days before treatment should be washed in hot water and dried on the hot cycle to kill any lice. Other items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned can be placed in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to kill any lice or nits on those items. Combs, brushes, hair bands, and hair clips should also be soaked in hot water (130°F or hotter) for 5–10 minutes.
Carpet and furniture where a person with head lice has sat or laid down can be vacuumed, but pesticide treatment of the home is not necessary. Head lice don't live very long away from a person's head.
How can I prevent getting head lice?
The best way to prevent getting head lice is to not touch heads with someone that has head lice, including during play or other activities at home, school, or other places. It's also important to avoid sharing personal items (especially if they touch a person's head) with someone that has head lice. Do not lie down on beds, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have recently been in contact with someone who has head lice.
You may not be able to tell if someone has head lice or not, so it's best to not share personal items that could spread head lice from one person to another. These items include hats, scarves, coats, sweaters, brushes, hair accessories, headphones, or towels.
