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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.
Want to sponsor National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month? Learn how
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
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HeadLicePrevention. Share visual tips for checking hair, cleaning combs, and using preventative sprays. Create infographics on common myths vs. facts.
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
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
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.
Erasmus Wilson publishes a book that helps medical professionals identify and understand lice.
The association is established to prevent pediculosis from spreading.
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?
In 2027, National Pediculosis Prevention Month will once again be observed throughout September, from Wednesday, September 1, to Thursday, September 30. It serves as a timely reminder for families to implement consistent prevention strategies.
How common are head lice in the U.S.?
Annually, head lice affect a significant portion of the school-going population in the U.S. The CDC consistently reports that millions of children, typically between the ages of three and 11, experience head lice infestations, underscoring the need for ongoing prevention efforts.
What are the common misconceptions about head lice?
Common misunderstandings about head lice include that pets can carry them or that they transmit diseases. Head lice are species-specific and cannot live on pets, nor are they known to spread infectious diseases. They are a nuisance, not a health hazard.
What is the best way to prevent head lice?
Preventing head lice effectively means being vigilant. Encourage children to tie back long hair, especially in school settings, and conduct weekly scalp inspections. Prompt treatment of any detected infestation is crucial to prevent further spread.
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.
National Pediculosis Prevention Month/Head Lice Prevention Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 1 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2031 | September 1 | Monday |
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