LICE...... is not something parents want to find in their child’s hair. The best DEFENSE is a good OFFENSE. Lice do not cause disease; they are just a nuisance.
Information:
- Lice Do NOT jump or fly, they crawl. Transmission is from HEAD TO HEAD contact. Most likely through sleepovers.
- Transmission from hats, combs, pillows, etc is possible but much less likely.
- Frequent itching is a sign of possible lice.
- Viable nits are within 1⁄4 inch from the scalp. They are not flat, nits look similar to a small drop of glue. They do not come off the hair shaft unless pulled to the end of the hair.
- To check, you need good lighting and a lice comb. Comb the hair and check to see if nits or lice are on the comb.
- White flakes are not nits.
IF you find lice:
- Check ALL members of the family. Treatment is recommended ONLY for individuals found with live lice or viable eggs within 1⁄4 inch from the scalp with lice shampoo. Read and follow the box directions.
- CLEAN: wash all bedding, clothes, washable fuzzy toys, and hair items in HOT water and dry on HOT. Wash combs and brushes in hot water. Unable to wash the item? Put it in a trash bag for 2 weeks. Vacuum furniture, mattresses, car seats, and floors. Vacuum daily for at least a week.
- COMB, COMB COMB. You must comb lice and nits (eggs) from the hair using a LICE comb. Nits stick to the hair shaft and have to be combed or pulled by hand to the end of the hair to be removed. Comb twice a day for 2 weeks. Keep checking for the next 2 weeks.
Keep checking! Catching and treating lice early is the key!
- IF nits are not removed, re-infestation WILL happen! COMB, COMB, COMB, COMB!!!
- The student can return to school after treatment and must be brought to school by an adult and checked at the nurse’s office before returning to class.
Life cycle of the louse:
- A live female louse lays eggs.
- Eggs hatch in 8-12 days
- An immature louse takes 9-12 days to mature and can lay more eggs.
- Most children have lice for 2-3 weeks before it is discovered.
The good OFFENSE:
- Check your child daily/weekly, even if they are not itching.
- BE ON ALERT!