Pediculosis capitis is a common condition caused by infestation of the hair and scalp by head lice. There are no serious or long-term health problems associated with head lice.
Lice
Head lice are tiny, gray parasitic insects that usually live on the scalp. They are 2 to 3 millimeters (1/8 inch) long. They move fast and are hard to see. Head lice live in the hair and bite the scalp to feed on blood.
They attach their white eggs, called nits, to the hair. Unlike dandruff, nits can not be shaken off. The nits are easier to see than the lice because they are white and there can be a lot of them.
Symtoms
The back of the neck and behind the ears are the favorite areas for lice and nits. Lice and nits cause your child's scalp to itch and can cause a rash. This is caused by a reaction to lice saliva, which the lice inject into the skin during feeding.
Transmission
Head lice live only on humans and spread from direct contact with a person or person's belongings infested with lice. They do not fly or jump; they crawl. Anyone can get lice despite good health habits and frequent hair washing. A live louse can lay up to 8 nits (eggs) a day and the nits normally hatch in about 1 week, perpetuating the cycle. Lice cannot survive away from the human scalp for
more than 24-48 hours.
Regarding Lice and School Attendance
Live Lice
If live lice are found at home please notify the school nurse(s) and reach out to your child(ren)'s provider for advice on which product/treatment is recommended. Please follow their recomendation and treat your child.
If live lice or nits are found during the school day, a parent/guardian will be notified. Prompt treatment is preferred, especially in younger students, and a parent/guardian may be encouraged to pick the student up for treatment.
Your student(s) may return to class after being treated and checked that there are no live lice. Students are encouraged to see the school nurse following treatment(s) for a check-in and any to offer additional education/support your family may need.
Why the Change in the Lice/Nits Protocol from Previous Practice?
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) advocate to discontinue previous "no-nit" policies (a child being free of nits before returning to school) for the following reasons:
- Many nits are more than ΒΌ inch from the scalp and are unlikely to hatch to become crawling lice, or may in fact be empty shells (i.e., casings).
- Nits bond to hair shafts and are very unlikely to transfer to other people.
- Unnecessary days off cause a burden to the students, families, and communities, and far outweighs the risks associated with head lice.
When Should I Call the Health Care Provider?
- For advice on which product/treatment is recommended.
- If you have concerns about a rash or sores on the skin or scalp.
- If itching has not improved following treatment.
- If there is a repeated occurrence of lice and nits returning after treatment.
- For any other questions or concerns.
For more information please refer to the resources below :
Needham Public School Lice Pamphlet
Treatment resource
Head Lice Presentation 1.pdf
CDC About Head Lice