diff --git a/prepare-root.sh b/prepare-root.sh
index f9d1d6a..07a9d70 100755
--- a/prepare-root.sh
+++ b/prepare-root.sh
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ WITH_UPDATES=1
 
 TEMP=$(
     getopt -o '' \
+        --long help \
         --long pkglist: \
         --long excludelist: \
         --long outdir: \
@@ -126,6 +127,10 @@ while true; do
             CHECK_UPDATE=1
             shift 1; continue
             ;;
+        '--help')
+	        usage
+	        exit 0
+            ;;
         '--')
             shift
             break