The school nurse found head lice on my child, what do I do?

Head lice is very common in the schools and summer camps. Any adult or child can get lice. It has nothing to do with cleanliness or good health habits. Head lice is spread from person to person by hats, combs or brushes, bedding and close contact.

Signs and symptoms of lice include:

• Itchy scalp, usually with a rash
• Nits - white eggs "glued" onto the hair shaft, favoring the neckline and behind the ears (dandruff and other hair debris will pull out easily)
• Lice - small, gray, wingless insect moving quickly on scalp

DO NOT send your child to school or camp until treated

Home Treatment:

• Use the over-the-counter shampoo containing permethrin (NIX) and follow directions on the box carefully
• Use the special nit comb after the treatment to pick out all the nits
• DO NOT use vinegar in hair to help loosen nits, this may deactivate the treatment and possibly cause reinfestation
• Soak combs, brushes, and hair accessories in the treatment solution for 1 hour
• Thoroughly vacuum your floors and furniture
• Wash your child's recently worn clothing, linens and towels in hot water
• Non-washable items such as stuffed animals your child sleeps with can be sealed in a plastic bag for 3 weeks (nits cannot survive any longer)
• Check all the family members for lice, nits or itchy scalp and treat immediately if any signs of infestation are seen
• It is not necessary to fumigate or shave hair to treat lice at home

Prevention:

• Encourage child not to share personal items such as combs, brushes, hair accessories, hats, and clothing
• For widespread outbreaks at your child's school, the lice treatment containing permethrin (NIX) is indicated for prevention of infestation with one application providing protection up to 2 weeks

Call our office if:

• Rash on scalp looks infected or not resolved in 1 week
• New nits are found after treatment
• Itching interferes with you child's sleep
• Have other concerns or questions