Head lice Info

Head lice infestations are a common problem for children in schools. Anyone can get head lice.

Check your child(ren) for head lice. If you find lice or eggs, use the information provided below.

Head lice are very small (less than 1/8” long, brownish-colored insects that live on human heads and lay their eggs (nits) close to the scalp. The eggs are tiny (about the size of the eye of a small needle) and gray or white in color. Adult lice move fast and do not like light.

SYMPTOMS: Itching of the head and neck. Look for: 1) crawling lice in the hair, usually few in number; 2) eggs (nits) glued to the hair, often found behind the ears and at the back of the neck; and 3) scratch marks on the head or back of the neck at the hairline.

SPREAD: Lice are spread by direct head-to-head contact and by sharing personal items such as combs, sharing head gear during sports, brushes, barrettes, hats, scarves, jackets, blankets, sheets, pillowcases, stuffed animals, play activity clothes and hats. Head lice may be spread during sleepovers.

Lice do not jump or fly; they crawl and can fall off the head. Head lice do not live longer than 48 hours off the head. They only lay their eggs while on the head. Nits that are more than ½” from the scalp are dead or empty and will not hatch. The eggs do not hatch if they fall off the head. Lice do not spread to or from pets.

INCUBATION: It takes 7-10 days from when the eggs are laid until they hatch.

1. Call your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice. Recommended treatment includes using either a prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicated (lice killing) product.

2. Follow the product directions carefully (especially the amount of product to use, length of time on the hair, and whether to use on dry or damp hair ). Directions will vary, depending on the product used.

3. Treat a second time (for certain products) 7 to 10 days later to kill any lice that may have hatched after the first treatment.

5. Lice treatment products are not always 100% effective in killing lice, especially nits. Removing the nits (nitpicking) is an essential part of the treatment for controlling the spread of head lice. The nits are glued onto the hair shaft as they are laid, and require effort to remove. To remove

the nits use a metal nit comb, or your fingernails to slide eggs off the hair shafts. Continue checking the head and combing hair daily for 2 weeks. If all nits are not removed, some may hatch and the child will be infested again. Remember: it takes at least 2 weeks to get rid of lice.

6. Check all household members for head lice. Treat only household members with head lice, and treat all at the same time.

1. Vacuum Carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and seats in the car(s) thoroughly.

6. Wash clothing worn in the last three days (e.g. jackets, hats, scarves, pajamas), bedding, and towels in hot (130° F or higher) water and dry in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes before being used again. Clothing that cannot be washed or dried, linens, and stuffed toys can be dry cleaned or sealed in plastic bags for 2 weeks.