Nurse’s Corner: Facts about…

 Lice

 

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MYTHS ABOUT LICE

Lice are a sign of unclean homes or people. Lice fly or jump.

 

FACTS ABOUT LICE

Anyone can get lice from direct contact or by sharing personal items. Lice crawl from person to person directly or on combs, hats, bedding, etc. Head lice live only on people's scalp or hair. They hatch from small eggs (nits) that are firmly attached to hair. Unlike dandruff, nits cannot be easily moved up o down the hair. Lice do not cause disease, but can make your scalp very itchy.

 

PRECAUTIONS

Check your child's hair for eggs (nits) weekly. If you suspect lice, ask health care provider to recommend appropriate treatment. Inform school nurse if your child has been diagnosed with head lice.

 

TO GET RID OF LICE

Use a hair product recommended by your health care provider. Follow directions very carefully, there are differences in products. Remove all nits mechanically using metal combs; remember that not all products available completely kill all nits.

 

CLEAN PERSONAL ITEMS

Machine-wash all washable bedding/clothing in HOT water. Dry them in HOT setting. Put non-washable items (pillows & furry toys) in HOT dryer for 20 minutes or dry clean them. Seal items that cannot be washed or dried in plastic bag for 2 weeks. Thoroughly vacuum rugs, mattresses, upholstered furniture. Soak combs/brushes for 10 minutes in hot soapy water. Check for nits daily for at least 14 days.

 

DO NOT RETURN YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL

  • Until he/she has been treated.
  • All the nits have been removed.
  • The school nurse checks your child's hair.

 

SPECIAL LICE PRECAUTIONS

Check with physician before treating infants, people with extensive cuts on head/neck, or pregnant /nursing women. Re-treat with shampoo ONLY according to directions. Do not use insecticide sprays because they can be harmful to people and pets.