Head lice are parasites found on humans and are acquired through direct contact with infested persons or with their clothing, combs or brushes, towels, hats, head gear, helmets, etc. A single female Louse can lay numerous eggs in a comparatively short time, resulting in heavy infestation. Lice are small insects about the size of a sesame seed and are often light brown, but vary in color. They shy away from light and are difficult to see. Their presence is most often detected on finding evidence of nits (eggs, which are tiny yellowish-white oval eggs, firmly cemented to the hair shafts and will not wash off or blow away. They can be found throughout the hair, but are often located at the nape of the neck, behind the ears and at the crown.
Symptoms:
Intense itching occurs when the lice feed on the scalp, although the intensity varies with each person. Nits, larvae or the mature adult louse may be found upon examination. Once even one nit is seen, treatment should begin at once to prevent further infestation on the affected person and to prevent any further transmission to family members, close contacts, friends, etc.
Treatment:
There are several brands of pesticidal treatments, which can be bought over the counter. These include NIX, RID, etc. –Ask you pediatrician of pharmacist. (The prescriptive treatment, Lindane, is rarely advised due to the potential neurological side effects). There are also non-pesticidal treatments which often take somewhat longer, but which are very successful. Nits must be removed and this difficult task is made easier if the hair is dried after treatment and a nit comb is used. Each nit must be pulled from the base of the hair to the tip of the hair strand and discarded by flushing or in a wastebasket.
*All family members should undergo treatment to avoid continuing the cycle.
All clothing, sheets, bedding, hats, jackets and hair accessories must be thoroughly washed in HOT water and dried in the dryer; the areas where children spend their time should have a thorough daily vacuuming (couches, mattresses, car seats, etc.) All should be repeated 7-10 days following the first treatment. Any articles, which cannot be cleaned in the above manner, such as stuffed animals, should be secured in a plastic bag for 30 days.
** Immediate treatment and the Johnson School’s “No Nit” policy make a big difference in controlling the problem. Children are excluded from school until they are found to be NIT FREE by the School Nurse. Upon return to school, children must report to the School Nurse, accompanied by a parent, for clearance to return to class.
Parental cooperation is essential. Take extra care in shampooing your child's hair. Killing the lice is not enough. Any nits (eggs) will hatch in approximately seven days, even after a shampoo treatment, and will spread quickly. Eliminating the nits helps curtail the spread. If you begin lice treatment, please let the School Nurse know as soon as possible. All conversations will be kept confidential. She will do a "routine, spot check” of all the children in that grade, along with providing information, to ensure that it has not spread. If a child has Head Lice, a letter will be sent to the parents of other children in the classroom, for notification/awareness purposes only.
All parents should check their children’s hair WEEKLY throughout the year.