Parents Beware: Lice Can Be Hidden In Halloween Costumes
Parents, do not get stuck with unwanted trick-or-treaters: head lice! Doctors have been warning parents to no allow their children to try on random wigs, hats and masks.
Nurse practitioner Cherie Sexton from Oregon, Ohio told WTOL-TV, “We have a lot of people going into stores right now, trying on masks, trying on costumes and trying on wigs and a lot of people don’t give much thought to the fact that several people could’ve tried it on before them.”
She offered the news station three ways to protect your kids from the bug. Cherie stated , Never try on a mask in a store without wearing a bathing cap over your hair.” That’s right, she wants you to look like you’re about to swim in an Olympic race while picking out costumes.
The nurse practitioner continued, “Put your new costume into a tightly sealed bag for at least 48 hours before wearing it to kill of any lice that may be on it.” Lastly, she recommends to “Throw dryer-friendly costumes into the dryer for 45 minutes before wearing them.”
Head lice are highly contagious and, if your child does manage to get them, they will have to stay home from school. Not to worry, the burrowing bug can easily be destroyed by purchasing with the help of over-the-counter shampoos and a comb. In more extreme cases, you may have to head to the doctors for a heavier prescription.
Make sure to also change your child’s bedding and clothing he or she may be wearing. This will ensure that the bugs will meet their demise.
So, parents make sure practice safe costuming. Granted, you do not have to make your child wear a bathing cap at the Halloween store, but it may be smart to dry-clean their clothes before you go candy seeking.
Sarah is a Hufflepuff living in NYC. When she is not traveling or talking to random animals, she is working as a script writer. Tweet her at @lumpyspacederp
