Kathy
Lice has broken out in epidemic proportions across the country right now. The key with lice is treating all areas that the child has been in thoroughly. The head must be treated with one of the lice removers and the head combed thru with a special comb and ALL "nits" or eggs removed from the hair daily until none are found. Treat again in 7 days. All clothing, bedding, coats, hair brushes, furniture, stuffed animals, etc that comes in contact must be treated on this same timetable. Any thing that can be washed must be washed in hot water & put in the dryer for 20 minutes. Anything that cannot, like stuffed animals must be put in SEALED bags for TWO WEEKS. All carpeted areas must be vaccumed and the vaccum bag thrown out immediately after each vaccuming. There are sprays available that you can use on furniture, including mattresses that will kill the lice. You will need to make sure NO pets are exposed to these. You will need to leave the house for at least one hour to let it dry. ALL IT TAKES IS ONE EGG FOR THE INFESTATION TO BEGIN ALL OVER AGAIN! Stress to your child not to share coats, hats, hairbrushes or put coat where it will come in contact with other children's coats. They key is thorough treatment. I tend to think there is no such thing as overkill. You will feel like you are washing for two weeks solid...bedding, towels, coats, etc. Hope this helps. I work in a pediatricians office and My child just caught them last week at daycare so I know first hand! Fortunately, we were able to just shave my son's head and that eliminates them on his head, as lice HATE light and will aviod light when possible.