Embedded Files
Head lice are small wingless insects that live on the human scalp. They do not jump or fly but crawl very fast. An adult louse lays several nits or eggs which are very tiny and hard to see. Nits are attached to the hair with a glue like substance unlike dandruff which flakes away. Nits are mostly found on the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Nits hatch in 7-10 days causing a large head lice infestation. Each family member should have their heads checked and treatment should begin if nits or lice are found.
When head lice is identified on a student:
The school nurse will contact the parent/guardian and provide instructions of treatments to be started as soon as possible. The student may be dismissed per the school nurse's assessment.
A student with nits may remain in school, with parent/guardian notification of the head condition and treatment instructions.
Upon return to school, the school nurse will re-check the student and determine signs of treatment initiating and status of condition. If improvement of the head condition is noted, the student may return to class with continued monitoring by the school nurse and parent following a mutually communicated plan.
General informational letters will be sent out periodically to educate parents/guardians of their responsibility in screening/treating for nits/lice, the importance of informing the school nurse if their child has lice, and to provide resources from larger health organizations in the detection, prevention, and treatment of lice.
Over The Counter Lice Treatment
Use over the counter lice treatment as directed. Ask a pharmacist questions if necessary.
Use on dry hair, apply amount listed on product.
Massage lice treatment thoroughly onto dry hair until hair is soaked completely.
Leave lice treatment on hair as directed, rinse out.
If you've tried over the counter lice treatments recently and feel it's not effective, contact your child's health care provider.
Combing/Pulling Out Nits
This is the most important step in getting rid of head lice. No lice treatment kills 100% of nits, so all nits must be removed to prevent them from hatching. If one nit is left, the head lice problem could continue.
Good light is a necessity. Sunlight or fluorescent lights are best. Nits will be missed in regular light.
Metal combs work better than plastic combs. Combing out nits is not the same as combing hair with a regular comb. You must divide hair into 4 sections, and take small tiny sections (1 inch wide) of hair and comb or pull nits. If combs do not work, you will need to pull the nits out with your fingernails.
Checking Hair Daily
Use bright light, section hair, and spend time daily searching for nits. Remember, if nits remain they may not be dead from the lice treatment. If nits hatch, the problem will start all over again. Continue to check hair for nits daily for at least a month. Notify your school nurse if you find additional nits or adult lice.
Re-Treat
Re-treat hair In 7-10 Days if you see live lice. The school nurse will also plan to recheck within the plan discussed with you.
Retreat with lice treatment. Follow instructions. Continue to pull out nits.
Home Treatment
Wash all bed linens and pillows daily in hot water. Place in dryer. Vacuum mattress daily. Wash clothes worn, hats, and other washable items in hot water. Dry clean items if necessary.
Vacuum carpet, cloth furniture, and seats of cars. Throw bag away.
Place all stuffed animals or items with cloth in an airtight bag for 2 weeks.
NITS/ EGGS
NITS/ EGGS
LICE
LICE
Head Lice Prevention
Head lice are mainly spread by head to head contact. Head lice can spread indirectly by sharing clothes, bed linens, hats, and brushes with someone who has head lice.
Education is the best prevention.
Teach your child and others not to share hats, helmets, jackets, combs, and brushes.
Head Lice Mngmt in Schools (1) (1).pdfLICE PortugueseLICE Spanish
Page updated
Report abuse