As you dive into the annual ritual of scouring through Halloween costume options with your little ones, there’s a less-than-fun detail to keep in mind: lice. Yes, that’s right. Just when you thought Halloween couldn’t get any scarier, those creepy little critters make their annual appearance.
According to Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jamie Hart, there’s a notable uptick in lice infestations around this time of year. She explains to Local News that the reason behind this is pretty straightforward: Halloween costumes.
With so many kids trying on costumes, wigs, and masks in stores, it’s easy to see how lice can jump from one head to another. Hart notes, “Many parents overlook the idea that these items have been tried on by countless kids before their own.” This is particularly true for those costume pop-up stores filled with a wall of questionable wigs and masks that give you the heebie-jeebies.
How to Ward Off Lice This Halloween
So, how do we ward off these unwelcome guests while ensuring that that $39.99 Princess costume doesn’t come with a side of nuisance bugs? Hart offers some straightforward advice to keep your Halloween fun and lice-free:
- Seal It Up: If you suspect a costume might have lice, sealing it in a plastic bag for about 24-48 hours can help. Those little suckers won’t survive without a host for too long!
- Heat It Up: Toss any costume pieces that can handle it into the dryer on high heat for around 45 minutes. This will help eliminate any lurking lice.
- Cap It Off: Wearing a swim cap or wig cap underneath wigs can serve as a barrier, protecting your little one’s hair from any potential invaders.
Remember, if you do find out that your child has lice, there’s no need for panic or shame. Schools have been advised to take a more lenient approach to lice infestations, recognizing how difficult they can be to eradicate. The CDC emphasizes that lice are not a reflection of hygiene; they’re simply a matter of bad luck.
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Happy costume hunting, and may your Halloween be filled with treats, not itchy surprises!
Summary
As Halloween approaches, be aware of the increase in lice cases due to kids trying on costumes and wigs in stores. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jamie Hart offers tips to prevent lice infestations, including sealing costumes in plastic bags, using high heat in the dryer, and wearing wig caps. Remember, lice are not a reflection of cleanliness, so there’s no need for shame if they occur.