Outbreaks of head lice are common in the United States among children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. While finding head lice might be upsetting, lice are not a health hazard and are not responsible for the spread of any disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.
Should my student stay home if they have lice?
Historically students have missed many hours, even days, of school while attempting to eradicate head lice and nits (eggs). Current recommendations are that no healthy child should be forced to miss school because they have lice. Students with live head lice can remain in class and go home at the end of the school day, be treated with an over the counter treatment, and return to school after the appropriate treatment has begun.
Please reassure your children (and yourself) that they are loved and are NOT the cause of this common problem.
TIPS TO PREVENT, MANAGE AND TREAT HEAD LICE
Parents should be vigilant for signs of head lice on their children. Information is available to help parents identify, treat and help prevent head lice.
The American Academy of Pediatricians shares “What parents need to know about head lice.”
Here are some tips to help lessen the chance of coming in contact with head lice:
- Avoid sharing personal items such as hats, coats, brushes, combs, hair accessories and pillows.
- If your child is scratching his/her head more than usual, check the head for lice and nits.
- Perform routine weekly head checks at home under a bright light. Outdoor lighting is best.
- Check his/her head after your child has been to a movie theater, trying on clothes at the mall, or a camp or group sleepover.
- Keep long hair in a ponytail or braid.
Managing head lice:
- We encourage you to establish a routine of inspecting your child’s hair at home to identify if lice or eggs are present throughout the year.
- Check all family members and treat as needed. There are a variety of toxic and non-toxic chemicals on the market. Remember to read all labels carefully as some products should not be used on very young children or pregnant women. After live bugs are destroyed, nits must also be removed using a nit comb or hand-picking.
- Wash all clothing and bedding in hot, soapy water. Dry on the highest heat the fabric will tolerate. Vacuum thoroughly, including car seats and furniture. Throw the bag away in the outside garbage can.
- Wash combs, brushes and hair accessories in hot, soapy water or throw them away.
- Items that cannot be washed-place in plastic bags for 2 weeks. This includes stuffed animals that are on a bed.
- Continue checking the child for many weeks after the treatment is completed.
- Notify your child’s close friends’ parents to check their children. It is also a good idea to let the school know.
Outbreaks of head lice are common in the United States among children between the ages of 3 and 12 years. While finding head lice might be upsetting, lice are not a health hazard and are not responsible for the spread of any disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.
Should my student stay home if they have lice?
Historically students have missed many hours, even days, of school while attempting to eradicate head lice and nits (eggs). Current recommendations are that no healthy child should be forced to miss school because they have lice. Students with live head lice can remain in class and go home at the end of the school day, be treated with an over the counter treatment, and return to school after the appropriate treatment has begun.
Please reassure your children (and yourself) that they are loved and are NOT the cause of this common problem.
TIPS TO PREVENT, MANAGE AND TREAT HEAD LICE
Parents should be vigilant for signs of head lice on their children. Information is available to help parents identify, treat and help prevent head lice.
The American Academy of Pediatricians shares “What parents need to know about head lice.”
Here are some tips to help lessen the chance of coming in contact with head lice:
- Avoid sharing personal items such as hats, coats, brushes, combs, hair accessories and pillows.
- If your child is scratching his/her head more than usual, check the head for lice and nits.
- Perform routine weekly head checks at home under a bright light. Outdoor lighting is best.
- Check his/her head after your child has been to a movie theater, trying on clothes at the mall, or a camp or group sleepover.
- Keep long hair in a ponytail or braid.
Managing head lice:
- We encourage you to establish a routine of inspecting your child’s hair at home to identify if lice or eggs are present throughout the year.
- Check all family members and treat as needed. There are a variety of toxic and non-toxic chemicals on the market. Remember to read all labels carefully as some products should not be used on very young children or pregnant women. After live bugs are destroyed, nits must also be removed using a nit comb or hand-picking.
- Wash all clothing and bedding in hot, soapy water. Dry on the highest heat the fabric will tolerate. Vacuum thoroughly, including car seats and furniture. Throw the bag away in the outside garbage can.
- Wash combs, brushes and hair accessories in hot, soapy water or throw them away.
- Items that can not be washed-place in plastic bags for 2 weeks. This includes stuffed animals that are on a bed.
- Continue checking the child for many weeks after the treatment is completed.
- Notify your child’s close friends’ parents to check their children. It is also a good idea to let the school know.