Head lice are a common pest that has affected nearly every child of schooling age. It can be spread through something as simple as sharing a hug at school, or from trading hats or batting helmets. Sometimes it can be spread by just playing with a friend who doesn't know he or she even has lice. It's very easy for a child to get something as common as lice.

One of the first things a parent will do when they find that their child has head lice is try to find the best head lice treatment. The most common of these treatments involves an over-the-counter lice shampoo from your local pharmacy or retail store.

Most people have been the recipients of misinformation when it comes to understanding that pubic lice and head lice are simply not the same. Head lice treatment does not need to be used everywhere on the body. If you or a family member has contracted head lice, the solution is to apply the special shampoos to your hair and scalp only.

Use of a lice shampoo is not the only head lice treatment available. The Internet offers information about many natural and cost-effective treatments. These include coating your hair in vegetable or baby oils for several hours or overnight in order to smother the lice and kill them.

One thing that is important no matter what head lice treatment you use, is that all bedding and furniture must be cleaned thoroughly to ensure that all of the lice are gone. Lice can live in a couch or a pillow for up to three weeks without human contact. Stuffed animals that are on your child's bed and coats and hats are all things that need to be cleaned if you want to ensure that the head lice is gone.

And finally, try to remember that anyone can get head lice. It's not an indication that your family has poor hygiene, or that they aren't practicing a healthy lifestyle. Lice spread quickly and easily and need to be totally eradicated or they will return and you will have to battle them again.