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Head lice

Head lice is not a subject we like to talk about, but we do need to be aware of it, and do what we can to prevent and control it.  This web site from the CDC has some useful information on how we can do that.  Please look it over, and talk to your children about the importance of following these tips. 

http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/prevent.html

Introduction

            It is the position of the National Association of School Nurses that the management of pediculosis (infestation by head lice) should not disrupt the educational process. No disease is associated with head lice, and in-school transmission is considered to be rare. When transmission occurs, it is generally found among younger-age children with increased head-to-head contact (Frankowski & Bocchini, 2010).

            Head lice screening programs have not had a significant effect on the incidence of head lice in the school setting over time and have not proven to be cost effective (Frankowski & Bocchini, 2010). Research data does not support immediate exclusion upon the identification of the presence of live lice or nits as an effective means of controlling pediculosis transmission. By the time a child with an active head lice infestation has been identified, he or she may have had the infestation for one month or more and, therefore, poses little additional risk of transmission to others (Frankowski & Bocchini, 2010). The school nurse is in a position to take the lead in eliminating school exclusion policies and, instead, incorporate evidence-based practices that reduce the stigma associated with head lice, and work to increase classroom time with an emphasis on keeping students in school (Gordon, 2007).

Procedure

Whenever head lice are detected, the following procedures shall be followed:

  1. Child’s parent/guardian will be notified.
  2. Instructions for treatment for live lice and viable nits will be provided to the parent/guardian.
  3. Following proper treatment, the child will be brought to school by the parent prior to the start of the school day for reexamination.
  4. The student will be rechecked by the school nurse at her discretion.
  5. If active cases continue in the classroom or school, more extensive measures may occur.
  6. Further information can be found on the district web site.

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LICE:

  1. Lice are small grayish-to-brown, wingless bugs about the size of an ant or sesame seed. Head lice are found on, and feed off the head.
  1. Lice can live approx 2 days off the body. They cannot hop, they cannot fly.

 3.    Lice lay tiny oval, tan nits (eggs). Nits are not to be confused with dandruff, which is flaky, or with droplets of hair product, which can form very small white casts around each hair. Dandruff and the residual of hair products are easily removed from hair. However, head lice attach the eggs to hair strands with a very sticky substance, and they are difficult to remove from the hair strand. Lice and nits cannot be removed with regular shampoo and hair washing, and will not come out with routine combing or brushing. Lice must be treated with medicated shampoo, and all nits (eggs) MUST be removed by hand. There are no products that kill the nits.

Lice are transmitted from one person to another through close direct contact, or sharing combs, brushes, coats, caps, hats, scarves and upholstered seats. If a child brings them home, other family members may get them. The first sign of lice may be intense itching. The lice or eggs may be seen. Red marks may appear. It is possible for skin irritation and/or infection to occur as the result of repeated scratching. If you suspect this, please call your physician.

WHAT TO D0 IF YOU DISCOVER LICE OR THEIR EGGS:

  1. Please contact your doctor for the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) current recommendation on the medicated treatment that is required on day 1 and on day 7. Please follow the instructions thoroughly. (Some treatments are to be applied to dry hair, and some need to be applied to wet hair). The treatment must be repeated after one week. Please read and follow ALL label directions.
    1. Please contact the school nurse if you think your child has lice, so that the problem can be monitored in the school. We are ready to help you with teaching, assistance with screening head checks, educational materials. 
      1. The nits (eggs) MUST be removed by hand, otherwise, they will remain on the hair, and will hatch,

           causing a continuation of the problem, and causing you to begin all measures aver again. If you have

           an active case of lice, you must check your child’s head every day, for three to four weeks.

      1. Use a strong light, directed on your child’s head while checking and removing nits. Again, hand

           removal is the MOST effective method of removing nits. The medicated shampoos do not kill nits.

      1. Once head lice enter a home, they can move from one person to another, through close direct contact and use of shared items. Therefore, as soon as one family member is known to have lice, it becomes essential to do each of the following;
      1. Inspect all members of the family daily for 3-4 weeks, and proceed with treatment when other family members are found to have them.
      2. Wash and change linens daily, and wash and change the child’s clothing daily. Wash in HOT water, and then place items in the dryer on HOT setting for one hour. Follow this measure for anything that comes in contact with your child’s head. Completely change undergarments, clothing, nightwear and bedding every day.
      3. For any stuffed animal or clothing which may be ruined by a hot wash and dryer for an hour, you may place these items in a plastic bag, and seal it for 3 weeks.
      4. Sterilize combs and brushes in boiling water.
      5. Vacuum furniture-front and back. Vacuum mattress seams, and the area around the child’s bed. Vacuum the car seats and upholstery. Vacuum the family area where your child sits.

      CAN IT HAPPEN AGAIN?

               Unfortunately, there is no immunity from head lice. And, if a thorough job is not done in removing all eggs, a new crop of lice will hatch, and the problem will be ongoing. If lice are in your household, please remember to:

      1. Follow through with above measures.
      2. Remind children not to borrow any item which may have come in contact with another person’s head or clothing (comb, brush, hair scrunchy, hair band, hat, cap, scarf, clothing, coat, etc).
      3. Regularly inspect all family members, adults and children, for any new

      infestation, and treat as directed.

      PRECAUTIONS WE ARE TAKING AT SCHOOL:

           Our staff has been alerted to the task of educating the children about lice and discussing the situation with them. Your assistance in routine inspections at home, and in notification of the school nurse, are important.

           The parent of a child found to have lice will be notified so that treatment can begin. That parent will be asked to accompany the child to the Health Office on the day after treatment. And the school nurse will also offer follow up checks on affected students.

           Thank you for taking the time to read through this important material. Your assistance and understanding are much appreciated. If you have any questions, you are welcome to call the Health Office.