Freaking out!

boodapug77 · December 2012

So my sister just called me to tell me that her kids have lice. They are being treated for it today. My husband and I are suppose to go to her house for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I am freaking out because I obviously don't want to get lice. And I read that if a pregnant woman gets lice-doctors do not reccommend the medicated lice treatments-its harmful to the baby. So my question is....Should I just stay home??? My husband doesnt think we should risk it. This really sucks because it is Christmas and I was really looking forward to seeing them. Also, I went over there last weekend to make cookies with the kids...I hugged them of course so if they had it then...could I get it?

pinktrojanbride120107 · December 2012

I'm a teacher and deal with lice 1864;8632 times a year. Do you feel itchy? Have your DH look for eggs around the back of your ears or at the nape of your neck. That's where they hang. I wouldn't be scared to go over for Christmas, just take precautions - wear your hair in a high bun and make sure not to touch those kiddos' hair for a while.

For what it's worth, I've never gotten lice from my kiddos in the 7 years I've been teaching, and I give lots of hugs.

MrsKatieW · December 2012

If they're being treated with the Rx stuff I wouldn't worry at all about catching it on Christmas, the over the counter stuff is less effective so I would be a little nervous then. But if your sister washed everything in hot water I would still go even then.
When I was 13 I shared a bed with my sister at my grandma's. The next morning she woke up with an itchy head, she got lice a friend. I didn't get it.
I also wouldn't worry at all that you already have it. You would be seeing eggs by now.

Dragonfly1226 · December 2012

When I was student teaching in kindergarten there was a major love outbreak. I was freaked out about getting it so I talked to the school nurse. She said it wasn't likely for me to get it because I washed my hair every day,,used product in my hair, and used a blow dryer on my hair every day. If the kids are being treated and are lice free, I think you are totally fine to go. If you have long hair, you can put it back.

boodapug77 · December 2012

The kids are at their father's house this weekend. They are divorced. He texted her this morning...he bought the rid and comb. He is also going to buzz cut the boy's hair and cut the girl's haril. But my sister is washing everything at her house-clothes and sheets in hot water. She is freaking out too-never had to deal with this before. I have really long hair so if i do go I guess I could put it in a bun and just not hug them:( My husband doesn't want to go now and that makes me worry because I the one that is a germ-a-phobe and worrier. This whole thing sucks-esp. around the holidays.

CynthiaC1213 · December 2012

Sounds like they're doing all the right things to get rid of the problem before anyone is expected at their house. In your shoes, I would go over there and try not to lay down on anything or let your head or face get near the kids' scalps. You could also get whatever clothes you wore to their house into the washing machine as soon as you get home and wash your hair before going to bed that night.

You should be fine. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

CoffeeBeanFiend91 · December 2012

I wouldn't worry about it. If she's treating the kids and cleaning house you'll be fine. There are also safe natural ways to get rid of lice such as vinegar and baking soda, in the event you get it. When I was a nanny I got it a few times from the kids and being anti chemical the baking soda worked fine for me.

lilsinginfish2 · December 2012

You should go over for Christmas, but take precautions. Lice HATE dirty hair! Make sure your husband uses gel and you use hairspray/mousse, something to make it dirty and wear it up like in a high bun. If your sister has treated her kids by then you should be fine!

notquiteblushing · December 2012

Lice isn't a real bug deal. I wouldn't freak.

Momma2Michelle · December 2012

I probably would not go, but I hate bugs.

That said- I found out the day after I was married that my 4 year old flower girl had lice. They didn't know the day of the wedding. I was in lots of pictures, hugging and holding her that day and I did not get it. I had a lot of product in my hair and it was up- so that helped.

If it's important to you, I'd go over there, but I'd throw some mouse in your hair and then put it up. Wash it and your clothes when you get home. Use a hairdryer on your hair and dry the clothes on hot in the dryer. They also sell some hair products that are meant to deter lice, they are designed for kids, so I'd imagine they are pregnancy safe. I've also heard adding a couple drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo or conditioner will help keep them off you.

MrsBossyPants · December 2012

I wouldn't freak out too much about the lice. First, hopefully your sister washed everything so it won't be an issue. If anything slipped by, however, you can treat lice without RX shampoos. You can use mayo, an olive oil soak, cetaphil, or even just a blow dryer. Also, as a preventative measure, skip washing your hair that day, and put a lot of product (mouse, gel, hairspray, leave-in conditioner) in it. Lice thrive in clean, product-free hair!

I hope you can still hang out with your sister and her children for Christmas!

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