Lice Facts Your Family Needs to Know

During my days as a Preschool Director, one of our most energetic students was observed frequently scratching her scalp during classroom activities. After a few instances, her concerned teachers came into my office with the little one to check-in on her well being. Discovering the presence of lice in her hair became an important call to action for the entire school, most specifically for her family, because head lice can spread easily through close contact. Large numbers of children and adults find themselves feeling a bit of itchiness, possibly scratching their heads more often than usual. Detecting head lice is a problematic situation leading to a very thorough removal process. Did you know that lice can affect anyone? It's a proven fact that lice infestations are not related in any way to personal cleanliness or hygiene. Lice can infest anyone, regardless of hair type, length, or cleanliness. In an effort to control lice infestations, many schools have a "no-nit" policy in place. Nits are tiny lice eggs often found in hair, and if there is any evidence of the presence of nits, this means a mandatory absence from school. Unfortunately for many families, this will also mean unexpected missed time from work or additional childcare expenses. Our family has been there and have experienced the nuisance of lice and hope to help you and your family to be able to avoid this troublesome situation. Learn more about the lice facts your family needs to know.

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Lice Facts Your Family Needs to Know

Head Lice Explained

Head lice are tiny, little parasitic insects, usually about the size of a sesame seed (2-3 millimeters in length), that live on the scalp, feeding on human blood. These parasites bite the scalp to suck blood and live off of human hosts. The bites are not painful, but lice excrete a substance to prevent the blood from clotting, which may cause itching or allergic reactions. Without finding a host to feed on, lice will typically die within 1–2 days.

Head Lice Symptoms

Itching

Most commonly, itching is one of the initial symptoms of the presence of lice. An itchy scalp, neck, or ears, caused by an allergic reaction to lice bites.

Sensation of Movement

Sometimes a slight tickling or movement sensation may be experienced on the head or neck.

Wounds

Frequent scratching can cause open wounds on the scalp, which may become infected if not properly treated in a timely manner. Lice infestations can be a major concern, especially for families with school-aged children. Here are a few important facts that families should know about lice-

1- Lice is a highly contagious infestation.

Lice are spread from person-to-person primarily through direct contact. They may also be spread through sharing of personal items like hats, brushes, or pillows. Children are especially susceptible because they often play together in close contact.

2- Lice treatment requires consistency and time.

Treating lice requires some careful attention and patience to see your way through to the other side. Using over-the-counter treatments can be effective, however, it's extremely important to carefully follow all instructions. It may be necessary in some cases to apply repeated or prescription treatments.

3- Nit removal is essential to head lice treatment.

A key factor in lice treatment is nit removal or manually removing lice eggs (nits) to prevent re-infestation. Nits can be removed from hair with a fine-toothed comb, often included with most lice treatment products.

Lice prevention strategies involve teaching children not to share any personal items such as hats, combs, or hair accessories with other people. Making an effort to regularly check your child’s hair can help see any evidence of lice early before the potential for passing lice to others. Schools often have policies in place for checking and managing lice to help prevent lice infestations. These facts can help families effectively manage and prevent lice infestations with a prompt treatment plan.

Medical Disclaimer - The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

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