With kids back in school and around so many others, they're exposed to a lot of different bugs.

A sore throat or stomach ache are things to look out for, but then there's the real bugs that show up - when school starts.

If you notice your kids starting to scratch their head and itch, those may be warning signs for head lice.

Those little bugs spread easily and quickly among kids who like to share things.

Itching, scratching, redness, sleepiness and irritability are all symptoms of head lice. According to the National Association of School Nurses, between six and 12 million kids will get head lice this year.

"It's actually kind of a compliment that you have this," said Lisa Arnold.

Arnold is a master stylist at Mane Attraction. She's talking about head lice. While they can affect anyone, she says they prefer those with clean hair.

"The myth is that 'oh they're dirty and that's why they have head lice' and that's totally a myth. The truth is lice love healthy hair. the healthier it is, the cleaner it is, the happier they are," said Arnold.

"Head lice can happen anytime of year, parents tend to be more concerned when we are back in school. Head lice have been around for a long time, they don't transmit disease, but they are a nuisance," said Coordinator of Health Services for Frederick County Public Schools, Pam Unhoch.

Unhoch says head lice don't jump, fly, or hop. They're passed only through head-to-head contact.

"The best way to prevent head lice is talk to your child about not sharing, hats, combs, brushes, helmets, headphones and to check their child at home," said Unhoch.

Head lice hasn't been common with Frederick County Public Schools, but still, kids do get it.

"If a parent discovers their child does have lice, the first thing they should do is not panic. There are a variety of treatments available, they can check with their pharmacist for over-the-counter products or check with their family physician about prescription treatments," said Unhoch.

Hair professionals say it's easy to get rid of with at-home-treatments and they should not go to a salon.

"Unfortunately, if we see head lice, they can't stay. They have to leave the salon because of the exposure to others and the chance that we could contaminate someone else," said Arnold.

If you do treat your kids or family for head lice, it's important to keep them from attaching again.

Health experts say to wash all bedding, pillows and clothing in hot water. Also make sure to soak hair items like combs, barrettes, hair ties, and brushes in rubbing alcohol or medicated shampoo.

Unhoch also says to keep the child affected out of school until they are properly treated.

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