How is the "Lice" situation?
I am convinced that Head lice will be a problem that will haunt parents for a
long time. The overcrowded cities and schools give headlice a perfect
environment to survive in.
How do we get rid of them?
What can the school do to eliminate this ongoing problem?
There is a great website that is very informative on how to treat for lice.
Unfortunately, the information given is not what a parent wants to hear.
If you visit this web site, all the following information, plus a great deal
more, is stated in a "Frequently Asked Question" button that you click on.
The section states:
That there are no over-the-counter or prescription products that are totally
safe and 100% effective. Manual removal of the live lice and nits is the
safest and most necessary way of effectively ending the problem on your
child's head.
Non-toxic remedies are obviously preferred over the pesticides. Many who try
alternatives have already had failure with the available pesticides from the
local drug stores. If there is success with the non-toxic alternatives, it is
suspected that it may have to do with motivation and the 'parent power' behind
the effort, meaning, that the parent must be diligent at picking out nits
until they are completely gone from the child's head.
Homes or schools don't get head lice, people do. Head lice are human
parasites and require human blood to survive. Vacuuming is the safest and
best way to remove lice or fallen hairs with attached nits from furniture,
rugs, stuffed animals, and car seats. Vacuum these areas and save your time
and energy for what benefits you and your family most-THOROUGH NIT REMOVAL. I
have requested that the custodians vacuum the classrooms well.
Head lice can be spread whenever there is direct contact of the head or hair
with an infested individual. Lice can also be spread through the sharing of
personal articles like hats, towels, brushes, helmets, hair-ties, etc. Head
lice do NOT jump or fly and generally cannot survive longer than 24 hours off
the host (a human). Please remind your children repeatedly to not share any
items that are worn on the head.
If your child brings home a notice that there has been a case of head lice in
his/her class, please do not take this notice lightly. Check your child's
head for nits and head lice. Check them frequently. If you are not sure what
you are looking for, the above website has pictures. Parents are also welcome
to call the school and talk to the nurse. Visit my "BLOG" page to find out
what has worked for some parents, or make an entry if you have your own remedy
for head lice.
Other interesting facts:
Head lice can survive on a human host for approx. 30 days.
Head lice cannot survive longer than 24 hours off the host.
A female louse lays 3-5 eggs a day.
The eggs hatch in 7-10 days.
It takes another 7-10 days for the louse to mature and begin laying eggs.
PLEASE VISIT THIS WEBSITE: www.headlice.org
THERE ARE SOME FUN GAMES ON THE WEBSITE FOR CHILDREN TO PLAY TOO.