Dear Parents,

It’s that time of year when lice surface as an issue for children.  Lice is a common occurring nuisance, especially where children gather (sports groups, play groups, day care, sleep-overs, school, etc). If you notice your child scratching their scalp frequently, please check their scalps.  While we normally send letters to classes with lice cases, we are hoping that a school wide proactive approach will help minimize our cases.   If you need assistance, please contact your health assistant at school. 

 This is a problem that is easily treated.  Simply follow these instructions.  

1. Examine your child’s head to be sure you know what the nits look like.  They are tiny grayish-white eggs attached to the hair, near the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.  Please do this every day for a couple of weeks.
2. Check all other family members to see if they are infested.  Any family member with evidence of head lice must also be treated.
3. Use an effective head lice treatment that day.   Your pharmacists can recommend an effective pediculicide product.  When used as directed, it will be very effective in killing head lice. The expectation is that the student will return to school the next day.
4. Remove the nits (lice eggs).  Because no pediculicide products kills all the eggs, it is very important to remove all traces of the nits to prevent reinfestation.  A special comb for this task is usually provided with the lice treatment product.  You may want to ask your pharmacist about a specially developed rinse that quickly releases the nits from the hair, making it quick and easy to comb out.
5. Wash all clothes, bed linens and towels in hot water and dry on hot cycle for at least 20 minutes.  Items that cannot be safely washed, such as stuffed animals, should be dry cleaned or stored outside the home for a minimum of two weeks.
6. Clean combs and brushes in hot, soapy water.  Water should be at least 130°F, and it is advisable to let combs and brushes soak in the hot water for 10 minutes.
7. Vacuum everywhere to make sure your home is free of lice.  Vacuum carpets, pillows, mattresses, upholstered furniture; anything that might hold lice.  Do a thorough job and discard the vacuum bag promptly.
8. Be sure to recheck your child in 7 – 10 days and provide proof of treatment.

Refer to Department of Health Services (DHS) Flyer – A Parent’s Guide to Head Lice