Head Lice
Head lice are a common occurrence in many communities and are not a reflection of poor hygiene or social status. To help prevent the spread of this communicable condition, we encourage you to check your child’s hair regularly over the next few weeks. Early detection makes treatment much easier and more effective. If you do discover a case of head lice, please notify the school nurse so that we can take appropriate steps to support your family and protect the school community.
Head Lice Identification
Lice eggs (nits) are very small, about the size of a knot in thread. Nits are laid and firmly attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. They are oval and tan to white in color. Nits take about 1 week to hatch. An adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed, and is tan to white in color. Adult lice can live up to 30 days on a person’s head. If the louse falls off the person’s head, it will die within 2 days. Head lice are most commonly found on the scalp, behind the ears, and near the neckline at the back of the neck.
Signs of a Head Lice Infestation
A tickling feeling of something moving in the hair
Itching, caused by an allergic reaction to the bites
Scratch marks, particularly at the base of the neck and behind the ears
Methods of Transmission of Head Lice
The most common way to get head lice is through close, prolonged head-to-head contact with an already infested person. Other means of transmission include sharing clothing, such as hats, scarves, coats, etc. recently worn by an infested person. Using infested combs, brushes, or towels, as well as, lying on a bed, couch, pillow, carpet, or stuffed animal that has recently been in contact with an infested person may also lead to the transmission of lice.
How to Examine for Head Lice
Here are some tips from the CDC on how to examine a person for the presence of head lice.
Treating Head Lice
Treatment requires using an over-the-counter product or prescription medication, such as Permethrin Lotion 1%, Ivermectin Lotion 0.5%, etc. Please follow medication instructions regarding follow-up treatment, as this may be required to prevent reinfestation. Professional lice and nit removal services are also available locally and can provide added assistance if needed. You can refer to the CDC or American Academy of Pediatrics websites, www.cdc.gov or www.aap.org, for further information and instruction.
