Head lice are a common occurrence in the school and community. Head lice can be transmitted through head-to-head contact and sometimes by sharing combs, hats, clothing, barrettes, helmets, scarves, headphones, or other personal items.
School nurses/trained personnel check children for lice and exclude those who have lice. Your support is very important and highly appreciated in helping to control this problem. We highly recommend that you check your child's hair, clothes, and bedding every day for any signs of lice or nits. Adult lice are tan or grayish-white and the size of a sesame seed. The nits (eggs) are silver-gray in color and are attached to the hair. They cluster around the hairline at the back of the neck, around the ears, and across the front and top area of the head.
Lice cause frequent itching of the scalp. If you suspect that your child or any family member has head lice, you may contact your physician. There are several over-the-counter treatments for head lice available from your pharmacist. It has been found that it may take more than one treatment to destroy the lice. Please follow the directions given on the package carefully to ensure proper treatment and consult the health provider or school nurse if you have questions. Do not useinsecticides, gasoline, or other home preparations on your child's hair. Shaving the hair is not necessary. After treatment, a special nit removal comb should be used to remove all nits (eggs) from the hair. One inch of hair should be combed at a time for successful removal of the nits. Please continue removal of the nits; it is essential and can take several days.
Children with lice may return to school the next day after appropriate treatment. A long absence from school is not necessary. Student will be rechecked by school nurse or trained personnel before allowed to return to class.
