I’m a pediatrician and a mom - here’s how to treat lice without stigma

Don’t panic! Having head lice can be frustrating, but it’s not dangerous and there are effective treatments.

By: Emily J. C. Wong, University of Virginia, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 14, 2026

Words: 1,496

Last Updated: 3 days, 11 hours ago

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By Emily J. C. Wong, University of Virginia

Four words that parents in the classroom group chat dread to read: ‘My kid has lice.’

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are parasites that primarily infest children in childcare, preschool or elementary school. Having lice doesn’t indicate poor hygiene, despite a longstanding misconception driven by stigma, and lice don’t spread other diseases. But children with lice are often shamed and unnecessarily excluded from attending school. …

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