Head Lice

An estimated 6 to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States, most commonly among children ages 3 to 11.[1] This letter is to help you learn how to identify lice and provide information on what you can do if your child is found to have lice.

Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live close to the human scalp. They feed on blood. The eggs, also called nits, are tiny, tear-drop shaped eggs that attach to the hair shaft. Nits often appear yellowish or white, and can look like dandruff but cannot be removed or brushed off. The nymph, or baby louse, is smaller and grow to adult size in one to two weeks. The adult louse, the size of a sesame seed, appears tan to grayish-white in color. An itchy and inflamed scalp is a common symptom of lice. Although not common, persistent scratching may lead to skin irritation and even infection.1

Head lice are not related to cleanliness.[2],[3] In fact, head lice often infest people with good hygiene and grooming habits.2 Infestations can occur at home, school or in the community. Head lice are mostly spread by direct head-to-head contact—for example, during play at home or school, slumber parties, sports activities, or camp. Less often, lice are spread via objects that have been in recent contact with a person with head lice, such as hats, scarves, hair ribbons, combs, brushes, stuffed animals or bedding.1,3

If you think your child has head lice, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment approach for your family. Resistance to some over-the-counter head lice treatments has been reported, but the prevalence of resistance is not known.[4],[5] There are new prescription treatment options available that are safe and do not require nit combing.

Liberty Public Schools currently has a “no active infestation” policy. Please contact your school nurse if you think your child might have head lice.

[1] Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Parasites: Lice: Head Lice: Frequently Asked Questions. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/gen_info/faqs.html. Accessed October 12, 2012.

[2] Meinking T, Taplin D, Vicaria M. Infestations. In: Schachner LA, Hansen RC, eds. Pediatric Dermatology, 4th ed. Mosby Elsevier; 2011:1525-1583.

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Head lice: epidemiology and risk factors. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/epi.html. Accessed June 30, 2012.

[4] Burkhart CG. Relationship of treatment resistant head lice to the safety and efficacy of pediculicides.Mayo Clin Proc. 2004;79(5):661– 666.

[5] Meinking TL, Serrano L, Hard B, et al. Comparative in vitro pediculicidal efficacy of treatments in a resistant head lice population on the US. Arch Dermatol. 2002;138 (2):220–22

Lice Lessons educational initiative is made possible through collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur.

Information provided by National Association of School Nurses.

LPS District Policy - Head Lice

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