Important facts about head lice:

Lice are insects about the size of a sesame seed.

Lice do not jump or fly. They are highly communicable (catching) and are usually transmitted by head to head contact, or by contact with clothing, combs or brushes. Hats, helmets, costumes, earphones, and pillows can also cause infestation.

There are thought to be more than 10 million cases in the U.S. every year.

Lice live for about a month. The adult females lay up to 10 eggs (nits) per day. The nits hatch in 7-10 days and the newborn lice (nymphs) are almost invisible. In about a week, the nymphs have matured and start laying their own eggs. This repeats the cycle.

Some truths and myths about lice:

- Lice infestation results from poor hygiene.

FALSE. Lice can infest anyone. In fact lice are known to prefer clean, healthy heads.

 

- Lice are more common in girls than in boys.

TRUE. Lice are more common in girls because they are more likely to share clothing, combs, or scrunchies.

 

- My child can get lice from our pet.

FALSE. Pets do not get lice and cannot transmit them from person to person.

 

- Lice are most common in school children from kindergarten to 6th grade.

TRUE. Lice are most common in 5-12 year aids because their play habits can lead to head to-head contact.

 

 

- Lice spread disease.

FALSE. Lice are not a health hazard and do not spread disease. They are a nuisance because the treatment is tedious, time consuming, and can be expensive. Completing the treatment can cause missed school or activities for the children and sometimes missed work for parents.

 

How do I tell If my child has lice?

- Adult lice bite to obtain blood for nutrition. These bites may cause itching, but most children do not have any symptoms.

- Most parents will find out their child has lice only by routine screening at school, or when informed of a classmate or friend who is infested.

- Lice move Quickly and shy away from the light making them difficult to see.

- Diagnosis is most often made by finding nits (eggs), which are attached to hair shafts as very small, ovoid, whitish flecks that are fixed in place.

 

How do I treat my child for lice?

-  Don't panic! With patience and a common sense approach you can eliminate this problem safely.

- Advice on the treatment of lice is abundant, but not all recommendations are safe and effective. Successful treatment will take time, patience, and follow-up.

- A recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that olive oil, mayonnaise, or Vaseline treatments are NOT effective.