HEAD LICE FACT SHEET
WHO ARE MOST OFTEN AFFECTED BY HEAD LICE?
Young children are most often affected by head lice but anyone can get head lice.
WHAT ARE HEAD LICE?
The adult head louse is a single, parasitic insect that lives on the human scalp, grayish in color. It draws a small amount of blood through the scalp to survive. They cannot fly, leap or crawl from person to person. They can only be transmitted by DIRECT, PROLONGED HEAD TO HEAD CONTACT OR BY WEARING OR USING ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN WORN OR USED ON THE HEAD OF SOMEONE WHO HAS HEAD LICE. They are not transmitted by pets or sandboxes. Diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of a LIVE MOVING louse. Head lice is suspected if there is a presence of nits (egg cases) deposited on the hair shafts which look like a small sesame seed and are attached by a cement-like substance.
WHERE ARE HEAD LICE COMMONLY FOUND?
Head lice are a “nuisance” condition. The head lice are most often seen first around the ears and the nape of the neck. The affected child may or may not experience itching of the scalp at the beginning of the infestation. Head lice do not carry disease. Secondary infections can occur due to intense scratching of the scalp resulting in open areas on the scalp.
HOW CAN YOU LIMIT YOUR FAMILY’S EXPOSURE TO HEAD LICE?
Regular bathing and shampooing at least once a week can help reduce the chance of head lice infestation. Using a hair dryer after shampooing can help control infestations. The adult louse cannot tolerate the heat from the dryer. Teach your child not to share hats, clothing, combs etc with other children. If head lice is diagnosed, all clothing worn by the child, bedding, and stuffed toys should be laundered using hot water. Anything that cannot be laundered should be put in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum the house thoroughly.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR CHILD IS DIAGNOSED WITH HEAD LICE?
If a live, moving louse is discovered, treat with a medicated shampoo recommended by a pharmacist or doctor. Treat the hair and return the child to school the next day, please notify office staff. Any family member who has close contact with the affected child should also be treated with the medicated shampoo.
CAN A CHILD WITH “NITS” ATTEND SCHOOL?
Best Practices suggest that nits that remain in the hair after being properly treated with medicated shampoo and a fine tooth comb, should not be viable. The risk of further infestation is minimal. The school nurse works on a case by case method to educate and support children and parents to limit the spread of head lice.
WHAT PRACTICES ARE IN PLACE TO LIMIT EXPOSURE TO HEAD LICE AT SCHOOL?
Regular, discreet classroom head checks are done by the health services staff. Parents of students who are identified to have head lice are notified so proper treatment can begin.