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WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD COMES HOME WITH HEAD LICE
Don't panic! Don't blame! Anyone can get lice! Head lice are passed from person to person by direct contact or on shared objects (pillows, combs, hats, towels, etc.) It has nothing to do with cleanliness and does not reflect on you as a parent. The problem is easily managed. Just follow the instructions below:
1. Check every member of the family.
Look for tiny silvery egg sacs (nits) on hair shafts, near the scalp, especially at the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Any family member with lice or nits must be treated.
2. Head lice treatment.
A. Remove child's shirt and provide a towel to cover the eyes. Do not treat in the bathtub or shower, but have the child lean over the sink (this confines the lice product to the scalp/neck)
B. Use one of several louse remedies (pediculocidal product) available at your pharmacy. Some are available by prescription, some over the counter. All these products must be used carefully, observing all safety guidelines.
(1) consult your obstetrician if you are pregnant or nursing;
(2) consult your physician before treating anyone with extensive cuts or scratches on the head or neck. DO NOT USE THESE PRODUCTS ON INFANTS. Lice/nits on infants should be removed by hand.
C. Although it can take time and sometimes be difficult, "nit picking" or removing all nits will insure complete treatment. Louse products do not kill all the nits, and survivors will hatch into crawling lice within 7-10 days, generating a cycle of self-reinfestation. Even dead nits will cling to the hair and cause uncertainty about reinfestation. Nit removal can be accomplished with a special metal comb or by picking them out with the fingernails. Note: Nit combing is best accomplished with hair which is dry or slightly damp. Discard nits into plastic bag and seal for disposal.
3. Following nit removal, have child put on clean clothing.
4. A daily nit check is advisable for at least 10 days following treatment and then a check should become part of routine home hygiene. You may have to retreat in 7-10 days if there is evidence of new nits or newly-hatched lice. Treatment itself can cause itching; do not treat again on the basis of itchiness alone.
TREATMENT OF PERSONAL ARTICLES AND ENVIRONMENT
1. Machine wash all washable clothing and bed linens which have been in
contact with the infected person during the last three days. Use hot water
and dry in a hot dryer. Non-washables such as stuffed animals, sleeping bags, headphones, helmets, etc. can be vacuumed, dry cleaned or stored in
A tightly sealed plastic bag at room temperature for two week.
2. Vacuum everywhere! Rugs, upholstered furniture and mattresses, even car seats should be carefully vacuumed to pick up any living lice. Discard vacuum bag into sealed plastic bag for disposal. The use of insecticidal sprays is not recommended and strongly discouraged as it may be harmful to family members and pets and is of questionable benefit.
3. Soak combs, brushes, etc. in hot water 5-10 minutes.
Also soak hair barrettes, ribbons, head bands, etc.
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