Nurse's News: Head Lice

 

Lice are tiny, grayish tan insects that like to live near the scalp in the hair. The lice lay eggs called nits that stick to the hair close to the scalp. The nits are whitish in color and are easier to see than the lice. Lice cause itching and sores in the scalp. They are often found in the hair above and behind the ear. Lice must be treated, since they spread easily.

How does lice spread?
Lice move by crawling; they do not hop or fly. Lice spread from person to person in the following ways:

• Having a head with lice touch a head without lice
• Sharing items such as hair brushes or hat that have lice
• Having a person or his or her clothing come in contact with something with lice, such as bedding, stuffed furniture, a coat collar.

How do I treat lice?
Your child's hair and things that might have lice or nits must be treated properly.

Your child's hair

1. Wash the hair and scalp with a special cream or shampoo specially made to kill the lice. Follow the directions on the product.
2. Remove any nits that are left. Use a good light, a fine-toothed comb, and patience to look for and get rid of nits. At times, the comb may not work and you will have to pull the nits off with your fingernails, one by one.
3. You may have to repeat the hair and scalp treatment in 1 week to be sure all the lice are killed (the product directions will tell you).

Your household

1. Machine wash all bedding, towels and clothing in hot water. Dry all of these in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Dry clean items as needed.
2. Vacuum mattresses, furniture, car seats,pillows, stuffed animals and rugs.
3. Soak combs and brushes in a lice-killing product for 1 hour or boil in water for 10 minutes.

Should other members of the household be treated?
Check the heads of all persons living in your house. Treat only those persons who have lice. Talk to your doctor before you treat a child under school age. Some products to kill lice may be dangerous to very young children and infants.

When can my child go to school?
Your child can return to school after treatment and when all nits have been romoved from the hair. Be sure to tell the school and parents of playmates about the lice so they can check the other children.

What else should I know about lice?

• Anyone can get head lice.
• Lice like both short hair and long hair.
• Pets do not get lice or spread it.

Source: Mosby's Pediatric Patient Teaching Guides, Mosby-Year Book, Inc.

 

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