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Head lice is a common problem that affects virtually every school in the country. Head lice is contagious, especially among young school-age children, because it is spread by direct contact or through the sharing of personal items. Head lice are small brown wingless insects no larger than the size of sesame seeds that live and feed on the human scalp. The female louse lays eggs, called nits, on the hair close to the scalp. The nits that look like tiny, whitish-grey ovals that are firmly glued to the hair shafts, usually hatch within two weeks. As the eggs prepare to hatch, they will appear darker in color.
If your child complains of an itchy scalp, suspect head lice and check your child's hair closely. Head lice are difficult to locate because they move to avoid light. Nits may be easier to find. They are oftentimes laid behind the ears, at the nape of the neck and/or at the frontal hairline. If nits are found, then your child needs to be treated with medicated shampoos made especially for killing lice and their eggs. If left untreated, they can multiply quickly and spread to others in school or in the family.
If your child is found at school with nits or lice, the nurse will contact you. We encourage you to pick up your child as soon as possible and to arrange for prompt treatment. To help with decreasing the spread of lice in schools, all students in the classrooms of reported cases are checked. Even if your child contracts headlice from camp, daycare, or some other source, it is important to inform your child's school nurse of the condition as we will do a discreet classroom check of all children and of any close contacts (such as siblings) to ensure that lice have not spread to other children.
HELPFUL HINTS TO RID HEAD LICE FROM YOUR HOME
1. Treat cases promptly. Waiting only increases the chance of it spreading to other family members and friends.
2. Inspect the scalp of all family members and close contacts. Treat only those who have identified cases.
3. Follow the package directions. Overtreating can lead to the lice becoming resistant and treatment ineffectiveness.
4. LAUNDRY LAUNDRY LAUNDRY Wash all bedding, clothing recently worn including outer wear, jackets, hats, scarves, etc.) in either hot water or use a hot dryer. Changing the pillow case nightly can help reduce the amount of bedding that needs to be washed after the initial load.
5. Put items that cannot be washed in plastic bas with tight closures for at least 2 weeks. (Stuffed animals) Put in a cold shed or garage if possible.
6. Soak burshes, combs and hair accessories in very hot water for 5 - 10 minutes.
7. Remind your child not to share hats, combs, hair piecs, etc.
8. CHECK HAIR DAILY FOR AT LEAST 2 WEEKS AFTER TREATMENT. RETREAT ONLY IF AN INCREASE IN NITS IS SEEN.
For more information contact the nurse based at your child's school or:
National Pediculosis Association
NIX Lice Line at 1-888- LICE LINE
1-800-RID-LICE
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