National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Awareness Children Health
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every September
Holiday emoji:: 🦠

National Pediculosis Prevention Month is observed every September to combat the spread of head lice, a common issue among schoolchildren. This vital observance, founded by the National Pediculosis Association, encourages parents, teachers, and school nurses to recognize signs of infestation and implement effective prevention strategies. Learn how to keep heads healthy and clear.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month Deals

Throughout National Pediculosis Prevention Month, awareness campaigns and educational initiatives take precedence over commercial deals. Organizations like the National Pediculosis Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will share guidelines and resources for prevention and treatment. Brands specializing in lice treatment and prevention, such as Nix, Vamousse, and Lice Clinics of America, often offer educational materials and sometimes discounts on their products through pharmacies and online retailers. Look for community health events and school-based programs offering free screenings and advice. We will update this page with confirmed live resources as September approaches.

Platform Guide for National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HeadLicePrevention. Share visual tips for checking hair, cleaning combs, and using preventative sprays. Create infographics on common myths vs. facts.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PediculosisPrevention. Host a Q&A session with a school nurse or pediatrician about effective prevention strategies for families and schools.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #LiceAwareness. Share quick facts and statistics from the CDC about head lice prevalence and prevention. Engage with school districts and health organizations.

National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month Hero

Dr. Deborah Altschuler

Dr. Deborah Altschuler is the co-founder and president of the National Pediculosis Association (NPA). A leading advocate for public health, she has dedicated her career to educating the public about head lice, promoting safe treatment options, and challenging the use of potentially harmful chemical pesticides in schools and homes. Her work has significantly shaped public policy and awareness around pediculosis prevention.

History of National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month

Pediculosis, commonly referred to as head lice, is a common condition among school-aged children. It is caused by tiny insects called lice that live on the scalp and feed on blood from their human hosts. Head lice are very contagious. They can be spread by direct contact with an infected person or with items such as hats, brushes, combs, and bedding used by someone who has head lice. The insects can also be spread through contact with clothing recently worn by someone who has them, such as a hat, scarf, or coat.

The most common symptom of pediculosis is intense itching of the scalp and neck area caused by an allergic reaction to the louse’s saliva when it bites the skin. These insects are small, flat, and wingless, with six legs, that feed on human blood. They can only survive on human hosts because they cannot digest food on their own; therefore, they depend on humans for survival.

The National Pediculosis Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children and adults from the misuse of prescription lice and scabies treatments since 1983. Through an active public health education program and collaborative research, the National Pediculosis Association strives to set the highest public health standards for children affected by head lice.

National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month timeline

18th Century

Head Lice Identified

Joseph Jakob Planck, who discovered five varieties of lice according to the part of the human body on which they are found, first identifies pediculosis.

1842

The First Textbook About Pediculosis

Erasmus Wilson publishes a book that helps medical professionals identify and understand lice.

1983

The National Pediculosis Association is Founded

The association is established to prevent pediculosis from spreading.

1985

The Month-Long Observance Starts

The National Pediculosis Association starts the campaign to stop head lice by launching the National Pediculosis Prevention Month.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month

Local businesses, especially pharmacies, salons, and childcare centers, can actively participate in National Pediculosis Prevention Month. Pharmacies can create dedicated displays for lice prevention and treatment products, offering educational flyers from the CDC or NPA. Hair salons can host ‘lice check’ days, providing free screenings and advice on preventative hairstyles. Childcare facilities can distribute informational packets to parents and reinforce no-sharing policies for hats and combs. Partnering with local schools for awareness campaigns or sponsoring educational workshops can also be highly impactful.

National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month FAQs

When is National Pediculosis Prevention Month?

National Pediculosis Prevention Month runs throughout September 2026, from Tuesday, September 1, to Wednesday, September 30. This observance highlights the importance of proactive measures against head lice as children return to school.

How common are head lice in the U.S.?

Head lice are remarkably common, especially among schoolchildren. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between six and 12 million school-aged children in the U.S. are infested with head lice each year, making it a widespread public health concern.

What are the common misconceptions about head lice?

Many myths surround head lice, such as the belief that they indicate poor hygiene or can jump from head to head. In reality, lice prefer clean hair and are spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact, not by jumping or flying.

What is the best way to prevent head lice?

The best prevention involves regular head checks, educating children not to share personal items like hats, combs, or headphones, and avoiding head-to-head contact during play. Some parents also use preventative hair products.

How to Observe National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month

Share educational resource
Share educational resources with your friends and family members You could choose to do this virtually via email and other social media channels or by having a face-to-face discussion.
Carry-out weekly checks
The CDC recommends that children be checked weekly during the school year and twice a month during summer break. As caregivers, it is important to adhere to these guidelines.
Don't share personal items with other people
Wash your sheets and towels weekly in hot water. Do not use conditioner on your hair because it can make lice more challenging to remove. Don't buy used clothing or furniture, and don't share hats, coats, or sweaters.

5 Important Facts About Lice

Life from our blood
Lice are tiny insects that can be seen with the naked eye and they live on the scalp and feed on blood.
Spread through direct contact
Lice are spread through direct contact when you share items with an infected person.
They crawl
Lice cannot fly or jump as fleas do and they crawl from one person's head to another's.
They affect six million people each year
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about six million people in the U.S. get head lice each year.
It affects school attendance
The CDC also reports that 12 million school days are missed each year due to head lice infestation.

Why National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month is Important

It encourages us to do weekly checks
It encourages parents whose children are at risk for pediculosis to check their hair frequently throughout the month. There is no stigma associated with doing this.
It reminds us to have good hygiene
National Pediculosis Prevention Month is important because it reminds us to practice good hygiene habits. This is one of the ways to keep lice away from us and our dwelling places.
Educates about pediculosis or lice
We get to learn about lice and how to prevent them during National Pediculosis Prevention Month. We value the awareness this creates in us as it makes our lives that much better.