|
|
What You Need to Know About Head Lice
What are Head Lice?
Lice are small insects that live and breed in human hair. They are grayish white, light brown or black. They need human blood to survive. Lice will die within 24 hours if they do not get human blood.
What are Nits?
Nits are head lice eggs. They are firmly attached to the hair near the scalp and are some times confused with dandruff or hairspray droplets.
How do people get lice?
People get lice by:
- Coming in contact with an already infested person.
- Wearing infested clothing such as hats, scarves, helmets, or coats.
- Using infested combs, brushes, hair products, headphones or towels.
- Lying on a bed, pillow, couch, carpet, or stuffed animal that has recently been in contact with an infested person.
What are some signs of lice infestation?
- Tickling feeling of something moving in the head.
- Itching caused by the allergic reaction to the bites.
- Sores on the head caused by scratching.
What should I do if I suspect my child or I have head lice?
If you believe you or your child have lice or if you or your child have been exposed to someone who has lice, you should:
- Inspect your head and your child's head daily, with particular attention to the scalp, neckline and behind the ears where lice like to lay their eggs.
If you find lice or nits:
- Inform your child's school immediately.
- Remove nits daily with a metal nit comb or a fine toothcomb. Nit combs are available at your local pharmacy.
- Remove nits that cannot be combed out by either picking them out or cutting the hair where the egg is attached.
- Use an over-the-counter product designed for lice control.
- Soak combs, brushes, and hair products in soapy water for one hour or boil them for five minutes.
- Wash all clothing including hats, scarves, sheets, and pillowcases in hot water.
- Vacuum your rugs including throw rugs, furniture, mattresses and car seats.
- Put all stuffed animals and pillows in the dryer for 30 minutes.
|
