If your child plays on a sports team, you probably already worry about safety, hydration, and performance. But there’s another issue many parents don’t think about until it happens: head lice.

At Lice Care Associates Danvers, we often see an increase in lice cases among youth athletes—especially during active sports seasons. While most parents assume helmet sharing is the cause, the real issue lies elsewhere.

Here’s what you need to know about head lice and youth sports, and how to protect your family from an unexpected sideline infestation.

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🧠 Lice Aren’t Spread the Way You Think

Let’s clear up a common myth:
🚫 Lice don’t typically spread through shared helmets, hats, or gear.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that lice are most commonly transmitted through direct head-to-head contact, not from surfaces or equipment. While it’s theoretically possible for lice to be passed via objects, it’s extremely rare because lice:

• Can’t jump or fly
• Can’t survive long without a human scalp
• Need warmth and blood to stay alive

So what’s the real issue in youth sports?

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🤾‍♂️ Close Contact = Higher Risk

Whether it’s soccer, football, cheerleading, or gymnastics, sports often bring kids into very close physical contact:

• Huddles and team meetings
• Pre-game pep talks
• Group celebrations
• Locker room activities
• Post-game photos and hugs

These moments of head-to-head interaction are exactly when lice are most likely to spread between teammates.

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🧴 2 Simple Ways to Prevent Lice on the Field

1. Use NitBlock Daily Lice Repellent Spritz

Before practice or games, spray your child’s hair with NitBlock Daily Spritz—a natural, plant-based formula that helps repel lice using essential oils. It’s safe for daily use, doesn’t leave hair greasy, and smells great!

🛡️ Daily defense = fewer worries during the season.

2. Keep Hair Pulled Back and Secure

Loose hair = more opportunity for lice to transfer. Encourage athletes with longer hair to use:

• Tight ponytails
• Braids
• Buns
• Headbands or sweatbands

These styles keep hair contained and reduce accidental hair-to-hair contact with teammates.

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🧡 Local Help for Lice Prevention, Screening & Treatment

If you’re dealing with lice—or want to stay ahead of it—Lice Care Associates Danvers is your trusted resource.

We’ve served families from Boston to the North Shore and Southern New Hampshire for over a decade. Our expert technicians offer:

• In-clinic or in-home lice screenings
• Safe, effective, non-toxic treatments
• Preventive education and tools like NitBlock Spritz

📞 Call or text us at 978-907-3245 to schedule an appointment or ask a question. We’re here to help busy families stay lice-free through every season.

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⚽ Don’t Let Lice Bench Your Athlete This Season

Lice may not be dangerous, but they’re disruptive and contagious. The good news? You can stay ahead of lice with simple, daily habits and a little awareness—without pulling your child out of the game.

🏆 Stay active, stay strong—and stay lice-free with Lice Care Associates Danvers on your team.