Treating Lice at Home

NSCSD does not exclude students for nits (eggs). If live lice are located, you will receive a phone call to pick up and treat your student. Upon return to school, you are required to accompany your student to the Health Office for re-evaluation. 

We no longer routinely screen classes for lice. 

Please reach out with any questions, concerns or needed resources. 

Our district recommends speaking with your child's doctor regarding Spinosad or Natroba 0.9% topical suspension. Spinosad or Natroba is used to treat head lice and scabies infestations. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. This product is usually covered by insurance.

Here are some facts about Spinosad and it's use to treat head lice:

• Effectiveness: Spinosad is a highly effective treatment for head lice, with most patients becoming lice-free after a single application. It's also ovicidal, meaning it kills both lice and their eggs. 

• Safety: Spinosad is considered safe and has a low risk of toxicity. 

• Application: Spinosad is applied topically and doesn't require nit combing after treatment. 

• Side effects: The most common side effects of spinosad are eye and scalp irritation. Other possible side effects include burning, dryness, flaking, itching, pain, redness, rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site. 

• Children: Spinosad can be used to treat head lice in children 6 months and older. 

• Cost: This product is usually covered by insurance. Check your coverage below.

• Rinsing: After applying Spinosad, rinse the hair over a sink or tub with water, but avoid hot water. Don't wash the hair again for 1–2 days. 

• Success: Spinosad/ Natroba has a higher success rate than Nix, even without nit combing. See images below.

If you prefer to have your child treated outside the home, here are local lice treatment options:

• Nit Pickers (Syracuse) (315) 214-9567  

• Naughty Nits (Cicero) (315) 401-0051 https://liceclinicsupstateny.com/