Head Lice Guidance
Stiùireadh mu mhialan cinn
Head Lice
The guidance given to schools has recently changed and is now as follows:
If the school suspects that a child has head lice a letter should be sent home with the affected child only
• "Alert letters" should never be sent out to other parents because:
• They are not routinely sent out for other, more communicable diseases or infections.
• Most schools are likely to have a few pupils with head lice at any one time.
• They often lead parents to believe that there is an “outbreak” when in fact; only one child in the class may be infected. Those parents might then treat their own child preventatively, which is neither necessary nor advised.
• Children who have, or are thought to have, head lice should not be excluded from school.
Information about Head Lice
Head Lice are a common problem in school aged children. They can’t be prevented, but regular checking ensures early detection and treatment if necessary. Parents and carers should check their children’s head once a week during hair washing. You need your usual shampoo, conditioner, and a detection comb – ask your local pharmacist to recommend a suitable one. Remember that you are looking for living moving lice, the only evidence that your child is infected. If you find a living louse, ask your local pharmacist, school nurse, health visitor or GP for advice regarding treatment. For further information see:
http://www.nits.net/bugbusting
http://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk
– search on head lice