HEAD LICE
What are head lice?
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live close to the human scalp. When checking a for head lice, you may see several forms:1
–Nits (eggs)
•Teardrop shaped
•Attached to the hair shaft
•Yellowish or white
•Can be confused with dandruff but cannot be brushed off
–Nymph (baby louse)
•Grows to adult size in one to two weeks
•Found on the scalp or in the hair
–Adult louse
•Size of a sesame seed
•Tan to grayish-white
•Commonly behind the ears and near the neckline
My child has head lice. Now what?
If head lice are found on your child’s hair or scalp, talk with your school nurse, pediatrician, or family physician to get appropriate care. Other things to consider when selecting treatment:
• Several treatments are available, including prescription options.
• There’s no scientific evidence that home remedies work.
• Resistance to some head lice products has been reported, but the actual prevalence of resistance is not known and can vary in different parts of the US.
• Follow treatment instructions. Don’t use extra amounts or multiple applications, unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• Check all household members. Treat everyone who has lice at the same time.
• Cancel slumber parties and play dates until your child is louse-free.
• Don’t use pest sprays or fogs in the house. They’re not needed, and can be harmful if inhaled or get on the skin
•Vacuum floor and furniture
•Family bed linens and recently used clothes, hats and towels, as well as personal articles such as combs, brushes and hair clips should be washed in very hot water.
•Items that can’t be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
licefacts.pdf
Tips to maintain your main...
For the most part, head lice spread by direct head-to-head contact such as at slumber parties, during play time, some sports activities, camp, or other activities.
Head lice cannot jump or fly and move only by crawling.
It’s possible but uncommon to get head lice by using another person’s comb, brush, hat, scarf, bandana, hair band, or other item used on the hair or head.
Pets do not become infested with head lice and do not spread them.
If you spot even a single louse, your child has an infestation and needs to be treated.
2017_LL_FAQ.pdf