Introduction
Symptoms of head lice include frequent head-scratching and/or the sudden appearance of dandruff-like white flecks in the hair. You may receive a note from your child's school reporting that another class member has a case of head lice. In all of these instances, you should examine your child's head for lice. Although not harmful they are uncomfortable and spread easily and quickly. Head lice have become quiet resiliant to modern methods of erradication.

Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Steps
1 Step One Be sure there is adequate lighting when checking your child’s head for lice. A brightly lit bathroom or a flashlight will help you spot any lice or eggs.

2 Step Two Begin at the nape (bottom) of the neck and work your way up. Lice and eggs can be anywhere on the head but they do prefer warmer places to hide. The lower hairline is a good place to start.

3 Step Three Using either your fingers or a tail comb, slowly part the hair down the middle, from the crown to the nape of the neck. Check the part for eggs on the hair shaft (small white specks attached to the hair shaft) or adult lice. The eggs will be well attached and should only be able to be removed by scraping off the hair with your finger nail.

4 Step Four Once the first section is checked, part the hair either to the left or right of your original part in very small sections. Check this new parting for eggs and adult lice.

5 Step Five Repeat this process throughout the entire back of the head, paying extra attention to the warmer spots at the nape, hairline and close to the ears.

6 Step Six When the entire back portion of the head is complete, part your child’s hair from the crown to the front hairline and repeat the process for the front of the hair.

7 Step Seven If lice are found on your child’s head treatment must be given immediately.

8 Step Eight Remove your child’s clothing that they are wearing and all bedding on your child’s bed. Wash immediately or your child will risk another exposure. All materials such as jackets, hats, scarves, pillow or blanket that your child may have come in contact with will be infested and must be washed.

9 Step Nine Wash your hands thoroughly once the clothes are in the washer.

10 Step Ten Go to the chemist and purchase a lice shampoo. Follow the directions given with the product.

11 Step Eleven  If you have other children in the house check them for lice as well. If you suspect you may be infected have someone check you or use the lice shampoo just to be safe.

12 Step Twelve  Be persistent. The treatment may have to be repeated before the lice or eggs are completely killed.

Tips & Warnings
Use a magnifying glass. It will make the lice easier to see.