Head Lice What you need to know

Just the Facts The lice(live bugs) live in human hair and feed on the blood from the scalp. The bugs are grayish and the size of a very small ant. They do not fly or jump, only crawl but they can move quickly. Lice lay their eggs in sacs called Nits and glue the eggs to the hair shaft. Nits can be found anywhere on the hair but usually are seen at the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Lice live about a month and reproduce rapidly with the life cycle of one week from nit to louse and another week from louse to producing nits. The adult female lay up to 10 eggs/nits per day, nits hatch in 7-10 days. Symptoms include itching and scratching especially at the nape of the neck, possible red marks on the scalp and swollen glands.

Who gets Lice Anyone can get lice It is nothing to be embarrassed about It is important to notify the school if a case of head lice is discovered. Classroom checks will be completed by the school nurse. The Port Clinton City School Systems’ “NO-Nit” policy states that when a child is found with head lice, all nits must be removed from the hair before the child will be allowed back to school. Students will need to be checked by the school nurse before re-entering school. Lice spread from head to head primarily by direct contact. Please remind children not to share personal items that come in contact with the head and hair.

Getting Rid of Lice #1 Detection #2 Elimination #3 Prevention Most common symptom is itching especially at the nape of neck and behind the ears. Check carefully for lice and nits which are attached to individual hairs. Check all family members. #1 Detection #2 Elimination #3 Prevention Use a lice treatment that kills lice and eggs, many products are available over the counter. Follow directions carefully. All lice and nits must be removed to prevent reinfestation. Use nit comb & hand pick to remove lice and eggs. Check hair daily for at least 2 weeks to make sure concern is totally eliminated. Thoroughly clean every item that has come in contact with your child’s head and shoulders. Vacuum everywhere, wash clothing and bedding in hot water, soak brush and comb in hot water, place pillows and stuffed animals in plastic bags for 2 weeks.

School Intervention & Notification School staff, nurse, students and parents work as a team to help keep lice out of school. A letter will be sent home informing parents of head lice concerns in the classroom. The school nurse periodically checks the elementary school children for pediculosis and spends time in the classroom teaching about head lice . Please contact the school nurse for additional information on lice or for treatment assistance.