Is your head itchy yet??
If you discover head lice on your child- Don't Panic- you are not alone. The CDC estimates that there are 6-12 million infestation among 3-11 years olds each year in the US.
Signs & Symptoms- itching is the most common symptom
a scalp rash may be present, especially around the back hairline, the crown is also a favorite spot
nymphs and adult lice may be seen crawling on the head
nits (eggs) are attached to the hair shaft, near the scalp, they are tiny, whitish and can't easily
be removed from the hair
Your child has probably had head lice for at least 3-4 weeks before they have any symptoms
Lice cannot jump or fly- transmission is usually though direct scalp to scalp contact- they stay on the scalp where
it is warm and they have food (blood).
Indirect transmission from hats, caps, hair brushes, combs, headphones or other objects is uncommon
Most transmission of lice occurs at home, not school or other public places. Sleep overs and bed sharing are a
major source.
We do not routinely send letters home advising of lice in a classroom, nor are mass screenings of classroom advised.
If you do find nits or lice on your child- please contact your school nurse who can give further guidance
You will need to treat your child: most use an Over-the Counter product. Read the directions and carefully follow
them. You will need to retreat in 7-10 days. It is suggested that all siblings and even adults be treated.
Careful combing with a Lice Meister comb is a must. This is extremely tedious and can be the source of fighting
and tears, but it is the best way to get rid of the nits. Daily combing for the first week is advised.
Your child may return to school after 1 treatment. You will need to bring them to the school nurse who will check for
live lice. If any adult lice are seen, your child will be sent home to repeat the treatment. If only nits (eggs) are
seen, your student will be allowed to return to class.
Your child will be checked weekly for the next few weeks.
If it seems that after 3-4 weeks your child has them again, it is most likely that some of the lice have become resistant
to the Over the Counter products. You should contact your child's doctor who can prescribe a different treatment.
Please keep your school nurse updated. Below are some links for more info
Signs & Symptoms- itching is the most common symptom
a scalp rash may be present, especially around the back hairline, the crown is also a favorite spot
nymphs and adult lice may be seen crawling on the head
nits (eggs) are attached to the hair shaft, near the scalp, they are tiny, whitish and can't easily
be removed from the hair
Your child has probably had head lice for at least 3-4 weeks before they have any symptoms
Lice cannot jump or fly- transmission is usually though direct scalp to scalp contact- they stay on the scalp where
it is warm and they have food (blood).
Indirect transmission from hats, caps, hair brushes, combs, headphones or other objects is uncommon
Most transmission of lice occurs at home, not school or other public places. Sleep overs and bed sharing are a
major source.
We do not routinely send letters home advising of lice in a classroom, nor are mass screenings of classroom advised.
If you do find nits or lice on your child- please contact your school nurse who can give further guidance
You will need to treat your child: most use an Over-the Counter product. Read the directions and carefully follow
them. You will need to retreat in 7-10 days. It is suggested that all siblings and even adults be treated.
Careful combing with a Lice Meister comb is a must. This is extremely tedious and can be the source of fighting
and tears, but it is the best way to get rid of the nits. Daily combing for the first week is advised.
Your child may return to school after 1 treatment. You will need to bring them to the school nurse who will check for
live lice. If any adult lice are seen, your child will be sent home to repeat the treatment. If only nits (eggs) are
seen, your student will be allowed to return to class.
Your child will be checked weekly for the next few weeks.
If it seems that after 3-4 weeks your child has them again, it is most likely that some of the lice have become resistant
to the Over the Counter products. You should contact your child's doctor who can prescribe a different treatment.
Please keep your school nurse updated. Below are some links for more info
Professional Lice removal: I do not specifically recommend one service over another, each offers something different and each has been used successfully by our families. Each also provides current info on lice. Check each one and see what works best for you.
Lice Clinics of America Exodus Lice
Bernadette's Lice Clinic The nit picker
Lice Clinics of America Exodus Lice
Bernadette's Lice Clinic The nit picker
facts_about_head_lice_with_treatment_calendar.pdf | |
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pediculosis_parent_information_sheet.doc | |
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evidence_based_management_of_head_lice.pdf | |
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head_lice_fact_sheet_from_sanofi_pasteur.pdf | |
File Size: | 513 kb |
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