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OMG! My Kid Has Lice! Don't Panic: Here's Our Complete Freakout-Free Guide to Getting Rid of It

Yes, lice is a major headache and a little creepy -- but you can handle it. Here's the scoop on what it is, how to treat it, and how to prevent it from coming back. (16 Photos)

Kelly Grant on Aug 25, 2011 at 11:58AM

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OMG! My Kid Has Lice! Don't Panic: Here's Our Complete Freakout-Free Guide to Getting Rid of It

RubberBall Productions/the Agency Collection/Getty Images

Your Freakout-Free Guide to Getting Rid of Lice

Sure, you scan the school’s email notices about strep and the out-sick policy, but if you're like most of us, you completely gloss over anything related to lice, on ick factor alone. And the only thing worse than learning that a child in your kid's class is affected, is learning that -- Omigod -- your child is the one with bugs in her hair. Don't panic -- here's everything you need to know.

Deal with the Guilt
Remember, having lice is not a commentary on your parenting skills, how tidy your house is, or your personal hygiene. Lice aren’t more attracted to unkempt hair than shiny tresses. “Many moms are floored when they learn their kid has lice, but the worst of it stems from the fact is that someone else noticed it on their child,” explains Deborah Altschuler, co-founder and president of the National Pediculosis Association. (Pediculosis means infested with lice.)

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