FACTS ABOUT HEAD LICE
Lice are small crawling insects; they do not jump or fly. Most lice infestations occur in children 1-12 years old. Primary means of transmission is head to head contact. Secondary means of transmission occurs when sharing hats, combs, clothing, etc. Some schools require a "no-nit" policy. Head lice require a blood meal every 4-5 hours and die in 1 or 2 days when off the person. Head lice are preventable.
7 STEPS TO HEAD LICE CONTROL
Head Lice continue to be a problem in our
community. If your child
comes home with head lice, don't panic. Playing with others, a simple exchange of hats, clothing, combs and other
personal items can lead to the
transmission of lice from one person to another. Head lice are highly contagious and may be
difficult to control.
However, you can have your children free of lice by using the following steps to eliminate an infestation and prevent
reoccurrence.
1. INSPECT - Examine Heads: Lice are small insects, about the size of a sesame seed and white or light brown in color. Carefully examine hair and scalp of all family members for lice and their eggs (called nits).
Find Nits: Nits
can
be easier to locate than lice. They are yellowish-white in
color and oval
shaped. Nits are glued to the side of the hair shaft and can be found throughout the hair, especially at the back of the neck, behind the
ears, and at the top of the head. Use a magnifying glass to help find lice and nits.
2. TREAT
You may treat all family members or limit
treatment to those found to have lice or nits. Whichever approach is chosen, all
treatments should be done at the same time. Carefully follow all label directions.
Individual treatment is a two-step process involving the use of a lice control
product and a nit comb. Permethrin (Nix, Rid, etc.) is more effective than
products with pyrethrins according to the California Department of Health Services. USE
A NIT COMB: Most lice control products come with a plastic nit comb. Slowly comb all
hair to remove nits. For best results all nits must be removed. Nits not removed may turn
into crawling lice in 7-10 days.
3. CLEAN UP ENVIRONMENT - The use of a lice control spray is
NOT necessary.
WASH: Launder washable clothing and other items used recently by the infested
persons in hot water. Wash bed linens, pillow cases, blankets, scarves, towels, etc. Soak
all brushes and combs in hot water for 10 minutes. Dry clean clothing that cannot be
machine washed or hang it in a storage bag for 14 days.
VACUUM: Thoroughly vacuum rugs, upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, stuffed
toys and other items used recently by the infested persons. Items may be sealed in a
plastic bag for 14 days to ensure that no lice survive.
4. REINSPECT/TREAT AS NEEDED IN 7-10 DAYS
No lice control product will kill 100% of nits (despite label claims). Reinspect for lice
and nits on the 10th day after treatment. Re-treat if lice are found or if nits are found
closer than 1/4 inch from the scalp. This second application will control newly hatched
lice, thus eliminating a reoccurrence. Use a nit comb as in the first treatment.
5. SIGNS OF A SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT
No lice will be seen and no new nits will be laid. When first laid, nits are attached to
hair near the scalp. As the hair grows, they are moved away from the scalp. By 10 days
after a successful treatment, no nits will be closer than 1/4 inch from the scalp.
6. IF TREATMENT FAILS
Be sure that label directions were followed closely. If lice reappear within 10
days after treatment, perhaps not all nits were removed. Re-treat with a lice control
product and remove nits with a nit comb.
7. WAYS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF HEAD LICE
- Do NOT use personal items belonging to others: combs, hats, clothing, etc.
- Avoid hanging hats and coats on the same hanger with other's clothing.
- Learn to recognize lice infestations and check for them on a regular basis.
- Treat promptly when lice are found.
- Notify others (school nurse, teacher, friends' parents).
For more information or a group presentation on head lice control contact:
John Albright, Biologist - Public Information Specialist
(530) 365-3768
Check out our brochures about head lice and other subjects.