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Margaret Jahn, MS, MPH Freehold Health Dept.
PEDICULOSIS HEAD LICE Margaret Jahn, MS, MPH Freehold Health Dept.
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GOALS Learn about head lice Biology Treatment Diagnosis
WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE & HOW Biology Treatment Diagnosis Prevention & control
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HEAD LICE Infestation of Pediculus capitis Parasitic insect
Hair, eyebrows & eyelashes Excessive itching & scratching Universal susceptibility Unrelated to hygiene
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HEAD LICE VERY common Affects children 3-11yrs
Est million infestations annually Spread from head-to-head contact Feed on blood from scalp DO NOT SPREAD DISEASE! Nuisance!
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BIOLOGY 101 Life cycle – 3 stages Egg, nymph and adult
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EGGS Called “Nits” Laid by adult female
Cemented to base of hair (6 mm from scalp) Hard to see Resemble dandruff ~ 1 week to hatch
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EGGS
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NYMPHS Hatch from eggs Look like adult louse Mature after 3 molts
~ 1 week
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ADULTS Size of sesame seed 6 legs with claws Females larger
Lay up to 8 nits per day 30 day life span 2-3 meals of blood/day Die 1-2 days off scalp
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ADULTS
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RISK FACTORS Not related to cleanliness!!
Common transmission head-to-head Home School Elsewhere (camp, sports, playground etc.)
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RISK FACTORS Uncommon transmission Sharing clothing, hair ribbons
Using infested combs, brushes, towels Lying on a bed, couch etc. recently in contact with infested person
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DIAGNOSIS Misdiagnosis – VERY common Look for live insects
Nits not always reliable Easily confused with dandruff, hair spray etc. Nits >1/4 inch from scalp – old
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TREATMENT ONLY FOR ACTIVE INFESTATION!
Check household members & contacts Treat all at same time Supplemental measures
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TREATMENT Over-the-counter medication FDA approved
Pyrethrins or permethrins READ LABEL Do not re-wash hair for 1-2 days Check 8-12 hrs after tx Slower moving, comb dead No dead – call healthcare provider
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SUPPLEMENTAL Bedding, towels & clothing
With in 2 day period Launder in hot water & dry Place in plastic bag for 2 weeks Vacuum furniture and floors of infested hair
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CDC RECOMENDATIONS Students remain in school if Dx during day
Children return to school after treatment Nits still present? O.K. as long as no crawling/ live insects Burdensome absenteeism Nits not easily transferred Misdiagnosis common if not by health provider
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Freehold Township School Policy
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REMEMBER! WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Freehold Health Department
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QUESTIONS
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