Properly called Pediculus humanus capitis head lice are

� Properly called Pediculus humanus capitis, head lice are parasitic insects that are small, wingless, and grayish-tan. � Head lice only live in humans, and anyone can get them, even with good health habits and hair washing. � Head lice is very common.

� Nits are head lice eggs. They are very small, about the size of a knot in thread, hard to see, and are often confused for dandruff or hair spray droplets. � Nits are laid by the adult female at the base of the hair shaft 1/4 th inch from the scalp. � They are oval and usually yellow to white. � Nits take about 1 week to hatch.

� The nit hatches into a baby louse called a nymph. � It looks like an adult head louse, but is smaller. � Nymphs mature into adults about 7 days after hatching. � To live, the nymph must feed on blood.

� They are about the size of a sesame seed, has six legs, and is tan to grayish-white. � Adult lice can vary in color depending on the person’s hair color. � Females, which are usually larger than males, lay eggs. � Adult lice can live up to 30 days. � If the louse falls off a person, it dies within 2 days.

� Gray bugs in hair � Nits (white eggs) attached to hair follicles � Itchy scalp � Scalp rash

� ANYONE who comes close contact (especially head to head contact) with someone who already has head lice is at greatest risk. � You might also be at risk if you share clothing (such as hats, scarves, coats) or other personal items (brushes or towels) that belong to an infested person. � Preschool, elementary-age children, girls, and women have higher risks. � Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.

� Start with over the counter treatment as directed on dry hair. Ask a pharmacist questions if necessary.

� This is the most important step in getting rid of head lice. � Mixture of half vinegar and half rubbing alcohol applied to the hair can help to loosen the nits prior to combing. As you remove the nits, put them in alcohol. � Good light is necessity! Sunlight or fluorescent lights are best. Nits will be missed in regular light. � Metal nit combs work better than plastic ones. Combing out nits is not the same as combing hair with a regular comb. Divide hair into small sections to comb through carefully.

� Lice may live up to 3 days and nits up to 3 weeks. To prevent infection, vacuum child’s mattress daily, soak combs and brushes for 1 hr in a solution made from anti lice shampoo, and wash all bed linens and clothes in hot water and place in dryer. � Vacuum carpet, cloth furniture, and seats of cars. Throw bag away. � Place all stuffed animals or items with cloth in an airtight bag for 2 weeks. � If lice or nits are seen on the eyelashes, apply Vaseline to the eyelashes twice a day for one week. NO anti lice shampoo should be used near the eyes or eyelashes.

� Cover head and hair with mineral oil for 30 mins. � Wash hair with Dawn dish soap until mineral oil is removed. � Apply white vinegar to cover all scalp and hair for another 30 mins. Protect eyes. � Rinse vinegar with warm water thoroughly and remove all nits under bright light. � Treatment can be repeated as needed.

� Your child may return to school when they have been treated and nits are removed (as much as possible). � Have your child checked by a school nurse to make sure. � Retreatment is recommended in 7 to 10 days to remove any remaining nits or lice. � Check � If the heads of other family members. anyone has scalp sores, rashes or itching, they should be treated with the shampoo also.

� Call your doctor if: - Itching prevents sleep - The scalp rash clears, then returns - The scalp rash lasts more than one week. - Living lice or eggs appear in the hair after treatment. - The sores spread or look infected. - Your child displays signs of infection such as increased swelling, redness, pain, drainage, bad smell from sores, and fever.

� Hair spray or any other medicated sprays will NOT prevent head lice. � Head lice are mainly spread by head to head contact. � Head lice can also be spread indirectly… � Teach hats! your child not to share combs, brushes, coats or

� If you have any questions, contact your school nurse.

� http: //www. lice 911. com/page. php? page=pre vention � http: //www. headlice. org/ � http: //kidshealth. org/parent/infections/par asitic/lice. html � http: //www. cdc. gov/lice/head/factsheet. ht ml