Head Lice
WHAT ARE HEAD LICE?
HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
WHAT CAN I DO?
SUCCESSFUL HOME TREATMENTS
A memo to parents: Head lice Exclusion and Attendance Procedures
For more info, visit The National Pediculosis Association.
Source: Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association
What Are Head Lice?
Head lice are small insects about the size of a sesame seed. They live on the scalp and feed by sucking blood. Head lice may turn colors from white to gray to red or dark brown when they are filled with blood. After the female louse mates, she lays four to five nits which are glued so strongly to the hair shafts that ordinary washing and brushing of the hair will not remove them. After 7 to 10 days the nits hatch. New lice mature, mate and begin the cycle of infestation all over again - if not treated. A single louse can lay as many as 150 eggs during its typical 30-day life span. Hundreds of nits may be found on the head of an infested child.
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How Did This Happen?
A single child with head lice can easily spread the infestation among playmates in any setting. Head-to-head contact is the main way lice spread to other children. Sharing combs, hairbrushes, hooded coats, sweaters, hats, headbands and other pieces of clothing can also spread lice, along with car seats and headrests, theater and airline seats, pillows and stereo headphones.
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What to Look For?
The first clue you may have is a child who complains of itching of the scalp - especially behind the ears, at the back of the neck and sometimes along the upper back. Any child who complains of such itching should be checked for head lice. Accurate diagnosis requires finding crawling lice or finding nits attached to the hair. Lice move quickly and can be difficult to spot, so the presence of nits may be the first indication of infestation. Finding lice or nits requires time, patience and a good source of light. Natural light is best. Using a magnifying glass can be helpful. Part the hair and look carefully at the scalp and the bottom of the hair strands to search for lice. You can tell nits from dandruff, normal scalp scales or hair spray globules because they look like tiny tear drops glued to the hairs and are difficult to dislodge.
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What can I do?
Once you are certain your child has head lice, it is essential that all family members be examined. Everyone who is infested should be treated at the same time. Head lice live only on people, so family pets do not have to be treated. When using any nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) head lice product, it is important to read and carefully follow all directions on the label.
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Successful Home Treatments
- Treatment Application:
Any drug used to kill head lice is called a "pediculicide". A number of pediculicide products can be obtained without a prescription. These products are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are accepted by that Agency as safe and effective when used according to the directions on the labels. When used as directed, OTC head lice products are effective in killing adult lice and a percentage of the nits present. All of the nits may not be killed during the initial scalp treatment. Check the scalp and hair daily for the next 7 to 10 days. If new nits or newly hatched lice are found, perform a second application. See your doctor if a head lice infestation persists after a second application. Neither OTC medications nor prescription products should be used to prevent head lice infestations -- they are to be used for treatment only after head lice have been identified. Remember to read the entire label and follow all directions. - Nit (Egg) Removal:
Nits may survive the initial treatment and if so must be removed. To remove nits, hold a small section of the hair by the end and comb from the scalp out toward the ends of the hair. Specially designed nit combs are often included with OTC products or may be purchased separately at the store. Reusable (metal) combs can be cleaned with an old toothbrush and then soaked in boiling water. Any nits you can't remove by combing can be picked out with your fingernails. Clean your nails immediately if you do use them to remove nits. - Attention to Your Environment:
Since head lice can survive off the scalp for several hours, and the nits for much longer, it is important to give close attention to your immediate environment:- Vacuum all carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture and mattresses thoroughly. Don't forget your car. A good vacuuming of the seats and headrests is recommended. Remember to vacuum or wash you child's furry and fuzzy toys, especially those taken to bed.
- Wash all recently worn clothes and recently used towels, sheets and linens in hot, soapy water and dry in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Non-washable bedding, pillows and clothing should be vacuumed.
- Soak combs and brushes in hot water (130 degrees) or rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes.
- Important Notes:
- If you detect swollen lymph glands in the neck or under the arms, or if bites or scratch marks can be seen, consult a doctor before beginning treatment -- an infection may be present.
- An adult should always apply the treatment to children.
- Consult a doctor if you are pregnant or nursing before using a pediculicide.
- You can help stop the spread of head lice by notifying your child's school and everyone else with whom your child and your family have been in close contact.