Head Lice
Head lice have been around for thousands of years. Because of the concern over the persistent incidence of head lice, we feel parents should be provided with some helpful information. Head lice are small insects (about 1/8 inch long) that are very difficult to see. They cannot fly or jump. They are spread from one person to another by direct head to head contact with another person who has lice. They do not carry disease. They survive only a short time away from the human head and cannot survive on your pets.
It is difficult to see head lice, but you can recognize some of the signs and symptoms. Whenever there is severe and persistent itching of the scalp, head lice should be suspected. Head lice are most often found at the back of the neck and above the ears. Mature lice are no bigger than a sesame seed. The female louse lays her eggs (nits) at the base of the shaft of hair. Inspection of the scalp may reveal tiny whitish eggs on the hair that may look like dandruff, but the eggs cannot be easily removed from the hair.
It is important to remember that head lice can happen to anyone. Head lice are not evidence of poor personal hygiene or dirty living conditions. Knowing this should help those affected to seek treatment without embarrassment, and for them to inform others with whom they have come in contact to be checked as well.
Please notify the school nurse if head lice are detected at home. Parents will be notified if lice is found on their child at school and given instructions on appropriate treatment and care of the home.
Over the counter treatments are available at local drug stores. If lice does not respond to over the counter treatments, please contact the school nurse and/or your child's physician for further instructions.
You may find additional helpful information below: