Lice

Head lice are most commonly spread by direct head-to-head contact, and are proven to have low contagion in classrooms (American Academy of Pediatrics). Lice do not fly, and their specially adapted feet make jumping impossible and holding on to smooth surfaces like plastic or metal (i.e. helmets or headphones) very difficult. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC), the potential spread due to contact with an infected person’s clothing or other personal items (such as hats, scarves, coats, combs, brushes or towels) is very uncommon, and hygiene/cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.  

Prevention is focused on avoiding head-to-head contact (common during play at home, child care, school, sports activities, playgrounds, slumber parties and camps) and by prompt treatment of infested persons.

Typical symptoms include:

• persistent itching of the scalp;
• sores on the head caused by itching;
• nits (eggs) near root of hair concentrated behind ears and at nape of neck; and
• live lice noted on the scalp.

Please continue to educate your child about avoidance of close head-to-head contact, and check the scalp routinely for evidence of lice. We recommend you consult a licensed medical provider for treatment if you suspect someone in your household has head lice. Should you decide to use an over-the-counter treatment, the CDC recommends you select an FDA-approved product since most home remedies have not been proven to be safe or effective. You should follow the manufacturer's instructions strictly and treat all household members suspected to have lice. Retreat according to product instructions (usually 7-9 days) and consider nit removal to decrease the chance of the infestation reoccurring.