As many parents know firsthand, lice infestation can be a persistent nuisance, especially in group settings. If you feel like you're following every recommendation and your child still has lice, it may be because:

• there are still some nits left behind
• your child is still being exposed to someone with lice
• the treatment you're using isn't effective

There's no doubt that they can be hard bugs to get rid of. If your child still has lice for 2 weeks after you started treatment or if your child's scalp looks infected (with pus or sores), call your doctor.

No matter how long the problem lasts, be sure to emphasize to your child that although having lice can certainly be very embarrassing, anyone can get them. It's important for kids to understand that they haven't done anything wrong and that having lice doesn't make them dirty. And reassure them that as aggravating as getting rid of the annoying insects can be, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Be patient and follow the treatments and preventative tips as directed by your doctor for keeping the bugs at bay, and you'll be well on your way to keeping your family lice-free.