Head Lice

As children return from school each day, they bring many new things home - new books, new friends and sometimes, a new case of head lice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says children, aged 3 to 10, get head lice most often, girls more often than boys, but everyone is at risk. African Americans rarely get head lice, according to CDC. (Read about "Minority Health") This is believed to be due to the American louse's preference for the shape and width of the hair shaft of other races. As many as 6 to 12 million people around the world get head lice every year. Don't confuse head lice with body lice or pet fleas.

Known to scientists as Pediculus humanus capitis, head lice are tiny parasitic insects that spend their entire lives on the human scalp feeding off blood. CDC lists three forms of head lice:

• Nits are lice eggs. They are tiny, oval-shaped, yellow to white in color and are attached tightly to the hair shaft, usually near the scalp.
• Nymphs are baby lice. They resemble adults, but are smaller.
• The adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed, has six legs and is grayish-tan in color.

Signs of lice

Head lice are difficult to see because they are small and they quickly scurry away from light. But CDC says these symptoms may indicate an infestation:

• a persistent scalp itch
• sores caused by constant scratching
• a ticklish feeling as lice move through the hair
• irritability

Head lice are most commonly found on the scalp, behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the neck.

Treatment

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says even though head lice are rarely a health threat, dealing with them can be unpleasant and tedious. Treating the infested person is just the first step. Clothing, linens and other things they've been in contact with must be treated as well. AAP has these suggestions:

• Prescription and non-prescription anti-lice lotions, shampoos or rinses are available. These products may contain strong chemicals and AAP recommends following manufacturer's directions carefully. A second treatment may be necessary in seven to ten days to kill any newly hatched eggs. Check with your pharmacist or doctor to determine which product is best for your family. CDC says these products should not be used on children under 2 years of age. (Read about "Medicine Safety")
• After shampooing, remove nits with a fine toothed comb. Start at the top of the scalp and pull the comb through the hair slowly. Clean the comb thoroughly as you go. Be patient! This will take time. CDC advises against re-treatment right away, even if some live lice are still found 8-12 hours later. The agency says some medications take longer to act. But if the lice seem as active as before, the medicine may not be working. Lice have developed resistance to some medications and it may be necessary to try a different one.
• Because of the concerns for children under 2 years of age using chemical shampoos, AAP also says fine tooth combing after ordinary shampooing can sometimes be effective in removing lice and nits, but this method requires diligence. The group recommends washing and combing every three to four days for two weeks until no lice or nits are detected.
• CDC says it is necessary to machine wash, in hot water, or dry clean all clothes and linens the infested person touched before treatment. The agency suggests storing all stuffed animals, comforters, etc. that cannot be washed or dry cleaned into a plastic bag and sealing it for two weeks. Vacuum the floor and furniture. CDC says avoid fumigant sprays, which can be toxic if inhaled. Remember to clean all combs and brushes with soap and hot water or disinfectant.
• Keep checking daily for two to three weeks after treatment for any evidence of a new infestation.

Prevention

It is important to know the presence of head lice does not mean you or your children have poor hygiene habits. Head lice spread easily, primarily by head-to-head contact. Teach children not to share hats, combs, brushes, or other personal items. CDC recommends keeping your child home from school or day care for 24 hours after treatment.

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