As the seasons change, so do the challenges that come with them. Among these challenges, one that parents and educators dread is the arrival of head lice season. Every year, as temperatures rise and schools reopen, the tiny parasites known as head lice make their presence known, causing discomfort and frustration to families everywhere.
Here’s what to know about when is head lice season, the reasons why head lice are prevalent during certain times of the year, and most importantly, how to effectively manage and prevent infestations during head lice season.
Weather Conditions that Impact the Spread of Head Lice
Head lice infestations are more common in certain seasons, particularly when children are in close contact with one another. The primary reason for this seasonal occurrence is the increased physical proximity among children, such as in schools or summer camps, where they often share personal items like hats, hairbrushes, and scarves.
Head lice infestations tend to peak at the beginning of the school year when children return to classrooms. This is because schools provide an environment where children are in close contact with one another, making it easier for head lice to spread from one person to another through direct head-to-head contact or by sharing personal items like hats, hairbrushes, and scarves. Additionally, children are more likely to participate in group activities during the school year, increasing the chances of transmission.
Head lice infestations also tend to be more common during warmer months, such as spring and summer. This is partly because warmer weather encourages outdoor activities and more opportunities for children to play closely together, thus facilitating the transmission of head lice.
Back to School: Head Lice – Prevention and Treatment
When dealing with head lice season, the key is early detection and prompt action. Here are some essential steps to manage and prevent infestations:
Regularly check for lice: Regularly inspect your child’s scalp and hair for signs of lice, especially during peak seasons. Early detection can prevent the infestation from spreading to others.
Educate children about head lice: Teach children about head lice, how they spread, and the importance of avoiding head-to-head contact with others. Encourage them not to share personal items like hats, combs, and hair accessories.
Use appropriate lice treatments: If head lice are detected, use medicated shampoos or treatments specifically designed to eliminate lice. Follow the instructions carefully and repeat the treatment as necessary.
Comb out nits: After using lice treatments, use a fine-toothed comb to remove nits from the hair. This process may need to be repeated over several days to ensure all nits are removed.
Notify the school or childcare facility: If your child has head lice, inform the school or childcare facility so they can take appropriate measures to prevent further spread.
Diagnosis & Treatment for Head Lice
Lice Clinics of America has three revolutionary lice treatments. The FDA-cleared AirAllé is a medical device that kills live lice bugs and their eggs (nits) through dehydration and desiccation. This revolutionary alternative treats head lice through a specific combination of temperature, airflow, time, and technique. Because the AirAllé device is so effective at killing lice eggs (which are the hardest for traditional lice products to kill), the chances of needing a follow-up treatment are less than 1%.
The OneCure™ Home Treatment Kit is the first and only at-home, heated-air solution clinically proven to kill lice, super lice, and 99.2% of lice eggs, all in a single treatment. OneCure uses the same non-toxic, pesticide-free technology proven in our clinics, but can be administered at home. The CURE! Lice Remover Kit is a home treatment kit that allows you to treat head lice with a safe, non-toxic, and pesticide-free gel that kills lice and super lice.
To learn more about when is lice season, and tips for treatment if you’re struggling with a lice infestation, visit our blog or find a Lice Clinic near you.
Lice Season FAQs
Does lice go away in the winter?
Typically, head lice infestations can become less common during the winter months. While head lice can technically survive in colder temperatures, there are several factors during the winter that contribute to their decreased prevalence.
Is lice more common in winter or summer?
Head lice infestations are generally more common during certain times of the year, with peak activity occurring during the warmer months, particularly late summer and early fall. Therefore, head lice infestations are more prevalent in summer and early autumn, rather than winter. This is usually due to school breaks/closures and travel, increased social interaction, and more humid weather.
Can lice be seasonal?
Yes, head lice infestations can exhibit some seasonal patterns, making them more common during certain times of the year. While head lice can occur at any time, their prevalence may vary due to factors associated with different seasons.
As mentioned earlier, head lice infestations are generally more common during the warmer months, particularly late summer and early fall. This period coincides with the start of the school year when children return to classrooms and interact closely with one another. The close contact in school settings and summer camps provides more opportunities for head lice to spread from person to person through direct head-to-head contact and by sharing personal items like hats, scarves, and hairbrushes.
What kills head lice instantly?
The FDA-cleared AirAllé is a medical device that kills live lice bugs and their eggs (nits) through dehydration and desiccation. This revolutionary alternative treats head lice through a specific combination of temperature, airflow, time, and technique.
