Not Nice Head Lice

Frequently at this time of the year, children in the elementary grades contract cases of head lice. Below are some of the commonly asked questions and answers.

What are head lice?

Head lice are parasitic insects found on the heads of people. Having head lice is very common, but there is no reliable data on how many people get head lice  each year.

Who is at risk?

Anyone who comes into head-to-head contact with someone who already has head lice is at risk. Preschool and elementary-age children ages 3-11 and their families are infested most often. Traditionally, girls get head lice more often than boys.

What do head lice look like?

There are three forms of lice: the egg or nit, the nymph, and the adult. The nits are very small, about the size of a knot in thread, hard to see, and are often confused for dandruff or hair spray droplets. They are oval and usually yellow or white and attach themselves to the hair shaft. When the egg hatches, it becomes a nymph. The nymph looks like an adult head louse, but smaller. To live, the nymph must feed on blood. Adult lice are about the size of sesame seeds. They have six legs, are tan to grayish white.

Where are head lice most commonly found?

Head lice are found on the scalp, behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the neck. Head lice hold on to hair with hook-like claws found at the end of each of their six legs. Head lice are rarely found on the body, eyelashes, or eyebrows.

What are the signs of head lice?

A tickling feeling or something moving in the hair may indicate the presence of lice. Itching can be caused by an allergic reaction to the bites. Irritability and sores on the head may be caused by scratching.

How can I tell if my child has head lice?

Examine closely the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or adult lice. The lice move quickly from searching fingers. If you are not sure if a child has lice, your health provider should make the diagnosis.

Should my child attend school if they have any of the three types of head lice?

No. Head lice can be spread very easily among young children. The lice should be treated completely before the child returns to school.

How do I treat head lice?

There are a number of methods used to treat head lice. The school district does not recommend or endorse any particular method. The district suggests parents contact a health professional for the remedy that best fits your child and family’S needs.

Extensive information concerning head lice provided by the Center for Disease Control Division of Parasitic Diseases and from the National Pediculosis Association is provided on our Web site at
www.parmacityschools.org. For those parents who do not have ready access to the Internet, copies of the material are available in the main office of each building.