Head Lice FAQ

  1. How will I know if my child has head lice?

The telltale sign is an itchy head. Scratching the itch could lead to sores on the scalp or around the neck and ears. Severe cases may cause swollen lymph glands. Other signs may include eggs and in some cases, live lice in the hair, frequent head scratching, loss of sleep, shorten attention span and depression.

  1. Will my whole family get head lice too?

Not necessarily. If members of your family don’t share personal items, and if proper clean up measures are taken, the infestation shouldn’t spread. But, it has been known to happen.

  1. Is there anything I can do to keep my family free of head lice?

After an infested family member has been treated, check them daily for eggs for the next 10 days. If there is evidence of new eggs or newly hatched lice, repeat the treatment. Head checking should then become part of routine hygiene. A family head lice check once a week is a great ideal. You will need a nit removal comb, a magnifying glass and lots of light. Work through a small section of hair at a time, comb through each person’s hair from the root down. If any live lice or eggs are found, begin treatment immediately.

  1. What is a no-nit policy?

A no-nit policy in schools helps control an infestation and keeps children at home until all nits are removed. This policy is just to make sure that a child has been treated, all lice have been killed, all of their eggs or nits have been removed, and there is no sign of a re-infestation.

  1. Are there home remedies that work to kill head lice?

There are many home remedies out there that simply don’t work and can be dangerous. Methods that work are using tea tree oil, olive oil, margarine, or mayonnaise. These treatments are messy, time consuming and inconvenient---but they will work.

Helpful hints for lice treatments:

  • Take it slow and remember to read and follow all directions carefully and completely.
  • Self-medication is not a good idea s you cannot see the back of your own head.
  • All head lice treatment must come in full contact with all head lice.
  • Lice congregate at the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Be sure these areas are thoroughly saturated with head lice treatment first and then work the product up from there.
  • Follow through with the recommended second treatment in seven days to kill any newly hatched lice.
  • If lice infestation persists, contact your doctor.

Clean up after an infestation:

  • Wash all bedding and clothing that your child has used. Wash in hot water (130 degrees F) or run them through your dryer’s hottest setting for at least 30 minutes.
  • Dry clean items that cannot be washed.
  • Soak all hair care items (comb, brush, hair clips, etc) in hot water (130 degrees F) for 15 minutes.
  • Place items that cannot be cleaned or run through the dryer in a tightly sealed plastic gab for 10-14 days.
  • Follow up with a vacuum to get rid of any head lice or egg shells that were left behind.

Prevention of a re-infestation:

  • Follow through with the second treatment.
  • Teach your child to avoid sharing personal items with friends (brushes, combs, hats, hair clips, head bands, head sets, etc)
  • Periodically check your entire family’s hair for lice and nits.

07/13