Lice
WHAT ARE LICE?
Head lice are tiny little bugs (about the size of a sesame seed when full grown) that live on the human head. They can be red, black or grayish white in color. Transmission of lice generally occurs with direct head to head contact. Lice do not fly or jump but they can move quickly. That's
why it is difficult to find them in a child's hair. Diagnosis of head lice is generally made when lice eggs (called nits) are present. Nits, look like dandruff (silvery -white, teardrop shaped, about 0.8mm long), but they are attached firmly to the hair shaft and cannot be washed or brushed off like dandruff. They are often found at the nape of the neck or behind the ears. Symptoms of lice include frequent scratching of the head (as lice can cause intense itching of the scalp), the appearance of nits, and sometimes a rash on the neck. Anyone can get lice, but 72% of cases are children 12 years old and younger.
HOW ARE LICE SPREAD?
Transmission usually occurs with direct head to head contact with an infected individual. Transmission is more likely to occur in the home than at school
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
If you suspect lice, check your child's hair and scalp frequently. If you find lice or nits don't panic, remember anyone can get lice and the treatment is simple:
1. Check all family members.
2. Use an effective head lice treatment on affected family members. Your local pharmacist can recommend an effective pediculocite (kills lice) treatment.
3. Shampoo hair AS DIRECTED on product.
4. Remove all lice and nits with the special comb (nit comb) provided with the product. The hair should be combed one section at a time and each section pinned. Wipe the comb clean on a tissue between each combing to prevent wiping nits back on the head. It is important to remove all the nits as they can hatch out again in 10 days if left on the head. New cream rinse pediculocite products that loosen nits have been developed and allow for easier removal of the nits.
5. Clean all combs and brushes in hot soapy water and let them soak for 10 minutes.
6. Wash all affected clothes, bed linens, and towels in hot soapy water (130 degrees F) or dry on high heat. Per the American Academy of Pediatrics stuffed animals do not need to be bagged for several weeks to kill lice or nits. Lice rarely live off a human host longer than a day
7. Routine cleaning of the home.
8. Eight to ten days after initial treatment a second treatment should be applied to kill any nits that may have hatched out in the interim
9. Check your child's head after the second treatment. If a lice infestation remains - contact your family health care provider. A second line (prescription treatment may be needed). Information on treatment protocol is available from the school office if you should discover your child has lice.
For further information please contact your doctor, local health department or school nurse.
Please notify the school office if you suspect / know that your child has lice:
Cornerstone 424-4120
Bates 424-4130
Wylie 424-4140
Creekside 424-4160
Mill Creek 424-4150
DHS 424-4240
Community Ed (for Preschool) 424-4180
|
Lice Resource Links
|