TIPS ON TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF HEAD LICE

   September is designated as National Pediculosis Prevention Month.  Pediculosis, more commonly known as head lice, affects approximately twelve million Americans every year – most of whom are children.   “One out of every ten children will contract head lice by the sixth grade,” says Donna Harold, MD, a physician with Michigan Medical, P.C.’s Internal Medicine/Pediatrics office in Grand Rapids.  “The most common symptom from lice is an itchy head.  Head lice are very contagious, and they’re frustrating to treat, because you have to make sure that every nit and every single louse is removed from the hair.   No matter how many times you shower or wash your hair, it's still possible to get head lice from head-to-head contact with someone who is already infested with lice. You can also get head lice if you share hats, towels, pillows, combs or brushes with someone who has head lice.”  

    With children back to school this month, it’s an excellent time to address the prevention of head lice.  What steps can parents take to prevent their children from contracting head lice?  The following suggestions may help you and your children avoid the aggravation of dealing with lice infestation:

· Watch for signs of head lice, such as frequent head scratching.   Anyone can get head lice - it’s a myth that lice host only on “dirty” people.
·  Do not allow children to share combs, brushes, hats, pillows, or blankets. Lice do not jump or fly.  They are spread by head to head contact and by sharing of personal articles.

 

 If someone in your family is infested with lice, then:

·Check all family members for lice and nits (lice eggs) at least once a week. Only those infested should be treated. Lice are reddish-brown wingless insects, nits are grayish-white and oval shaped, and are embedded at an angle to the side of the hair shaft.

·Consult your pharmacist or physician before applying or using lice treatment pesticides when the person involved is pregnant, nursing, has allergies, asthma, epilepsy, has pre-existing medical conditions, or has lice or nits in the eyebrows or eyelashes. Never use a pesticide on or near the eyes.

·Lice-killing products are pesticides. If you choose to purchase an over-the-counter treatment, follow the directions carefully and use with caution. If the product fails, contact your physician, because these products are potentially harmful.  Manual removal is the safe alternative and a necessary component to any head lice treatment regimen.

·If you opt to use a lice-killing product, follow package directions carefully. Use the product over the sink, not in the tub or shower. Always keep the eyes covered.

·Remove all nits.  Each nit must be removed from the hair shaft.  This assures total lice treatment. Separate hair in sections and remove all attached nits with a special comb, such as the National Pediculosis Association’s (NPA) LiceMeister^® comb, baby safety scissors, or your fingernails.

·Wash bedding and recently worn clothing in hot water and dry in a hot dryer. Combs and brushes may be soaked in hot water (not boiling) for 10 minutes.

·Avoid lice sprays! Vacuuming is the safest and best way to remove lice or fallen hairs with attached nits from upholstered furniture, rugs, stuffed animals and car seats. 

·Notify your child's school, camp, child care provider, neighborhood parents, or report a lice outbreak to the National Pediculosis Association.  Check for lice on a regular basis. This is the best way to protect your family and community.