Head
Lice 
Head
Lice
Head lice is a common problem for children in child care settings and schools. Anyone can get head lice: they are not a sign of being dirty. There are two other kinds of lice that infest people, but they do not live on the head.Head lice are very small, tan-colored insects
(less than 1/8" long) which live on human heads. They live and lay their eggs, called nits, close to the scalp. The nits are tiny (about the size of the eye of a needle) and grey, white, or brownish in color. They are very firmly cemented to the shaft of the hair.
What are the symptoms of head lice?
Head lice cause itching of the scalp and neck. Look for:
- crawling lice in the hair down by the scalp, or
- nits glued to the hair shaft; these are usually found down by the scalp and often at the back of the head at the nape of the neck and behind the ears.
How are head lice spread?
Lice are spread by direct person-to-person contact and by sharing personal items, such as: combs, brushes, hats, scarves, jackets, blankets, sheets, pillowcases, etc.
Lice do not jump or fly; they crawl and can fall off the head. head lice usually do not live longer than 48 hours off the head. They only lay their eggs while on the head. Nits will not hatch if they have fallen off the head.
Lice do not spread to or from pets.
How can head lice be controlled?
- Avoid sharing hair care items, towels, bedding, clothing, hats and headgear (like helmets for sports).
- Combs, brushes and similar items should be thoroughly cleaned in hot, soapy water.
- Recently worn clothing and bedding should be washed in hot (130û F) water or dried in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes before being used again. Items which can't be washed or dried can be dry cleaned or sealed in plastic bags for two weeks.
- Clean floors, furniture, mattresses and carpeting by thoroughly vacuuming. The use of insecticide sprays is not recommended.
- The seats in cars should also be thoroughly vacuumed.
- Frequent checking of children's heads throughout the year can be an effective way of controlling the spread of head lice.
- All members of a family should be checked if one person has head lice. Only those who have lice should be treated.
How is it treated?
Use a lice-killing shampoo, lotion or creme rinse obtained either over the counter at the drugstore or by prescription from your physician. It is recommended that you shampoo the head first with an abrasive shampoo (one that doesn't have a conditioner in it). The head should be rinsed as usual after shampooing and towel dried before using the lice-control drug so as not to dilute the product on too wet of a head.
Follow the directions carefully. Directions will vary depending on the product used. Use the entire container on each head that you are treating and leave it on for the recommended period of time. The solution must be thoroughly massaged into the scalp. Remember, the scalp is where the lice live -- not the ends of the hair.
The lice don't necessarily die immediately. It might take as long as 24 hours or so. If live lice are seen two days after treatment, try a different brand.
For some medications, a second treatment is recommended 7-10 days later to kill any lice that may have hatched after the first treatment. If you use a prescription medication, follow the directions given by your physician carefully. More than two treatments are unnecessary and could be harmful.
The nits must be pulled off the hair shaft with the fingers or with a fine toothed comb. If a vinegar-water solution is used to loosen the nets, it should be used before the lice control drug, and should be thoroughly rinsed from the hair before using the drug. This solution can block the effectiveness of some of the lice control drugs if used after the drug.*
* Brand names are mentioned for identification purposes only and do not constitute a health department endorsement.
Head lice are small insects
They live on the hair and scalp of humans where they feed on blood. ..Anyone can get head lice You can catch head lice by coming in direct contact with an infested person's head or with personal belongings such as combs, brushes, and hats.Head lice can spread as long as lice or eggs remain alive on the infested person or clothing. Pets (dogs and cats) do not catch head lice. Itching of the head and neck is common with head lice Itching may be mild to intense. Other signs to look for can sometimes include swelling of neck glands, fever, or muscle aches.Head lice are diagnosed by the presence of adult lice or eggs (nits) Lice may be difficult to see, but nits (eggs) may be seen as specks "glued" to the hair shaft. Nits range in color from yellow to grey.Head lice can be treated Medicated shampoos or creme rinses kill lice. Permethrin-based drugs (such as Nix) are the treatment of choice and may be purchased over-the-counter. Follow package directions closely. Fine-toothed combs are available to help remove nits from hair. Wash hats, scarves, clothing, towels and bed linen in hot water and dry in a hot dryer. Tie up non-washable items in a plastic bag for 10 days. Wash combs and brushes with a disinfectant and hot water. Spraying classrooms or homes with insecticides is not recommended Floors, rugs, pillows, and upholstered furniture should be vacuumed. The lice die when they are away from the warmth of a human body for more than 48 hours. Infestations can be prevented Avoid physical contact with a person who has lice Do not share combs, brushes, hats, scarves, ribbons, or other personal items Household members and close contacts of a person with head lice should be examined and treated if they are infested Exclude children with head lice from school or day care until the morning after treatment Links about Lice