HEAD LICE
Although not a serious health hazard, head lice are the cause of much anxiety, embarrassment and misunderstanding to many people. It is important to note that head lice are a common nuisance, not a health hazard or a sign of poor hygiene and are not responsible for the spread of any disease. Despite this knowledge, there is significant stigma resulting from head lice infestations in many developed countries, resulting in children being ostracized from their schools, friends, and other social events. The population most often affected by this common “nuisance” is children aged 3 to 12. Because of this, school is often a place where this condition is found among students (school aged children).
CDC Guidelines for treatment of lice
The job of the school nurse is to help parents identify head lice and to guide parents in using approved treatment options. We want to remind all families that head lice are a temporary annoyance, not a major health concern. In our experience, head lice outbreaks are kept to a minimum when parents take the lead by inspecting their children’s scalps routinely. Our role includes maintaining confidentiality and minimizing time lost from the classroom.
Head lice are usually not difficult to eliminate when early identification is made. The Madison School District Nurses want to assure you that most families can successfully eliminate head lice by using simple, scientifically approved methods.
HEAD LICE TIPS FOR HOME
The most effective head lice treatment method is removing them with through manual combing using a metal nit comb (No product can remove 100% of all nits from the hair!). 1% permethrin or pyrethrins are reasonable first choices.
Check ALL family members.
Easiest removal of lice is when the hair is wet (apply ample amount of conditioner to smooth hair for comfort).
Separate the hair into sections, comb from scalp to tip of hair, wipe the comb onto a tissue or paper towel and assess for nits-they WILL be visible!
Continue to comb through each section until no more nits are seen on the tissue or paper towel.
All visible nits must be removed, breaking the bugs’ life cycle (Suggested Metal Lice Comb (Amazon))
Once the lice is visibly removed, follow-up with combing every day for two weeks to prevent re-infestation, as it will remove any hatched nymphs or nits that are missed during the initial combing.
It is not possible for your house to be infested with head lice as it cannot survive away from a human host, so they will not successfully breed in your home.
Combs, brushes, barrettes, hair ties or headbands can be boiled in water or sealed in a zip lock bag and stored in your freezer overnight to kill any nits
Wash all bed linens, stuffed animals, and clothing used during the 2 days before treatment
Set your alarm! Check your child's scalp every Sunday for preventative care!
Check out more information to guide you through head lice!
Suggested Metal Lice Comb (Amazon)
