Elementary school parents, listen up! If you haven’t already, you’re likely to receive a call from the school nurse about head lice exposure at some point. Don’t panic! You’re not alone. Millions of children get head lice each year, and it’s not a reflection of hygiene.
What are head lice?
Imagine tiny sesame seeds crawling around your child’s head. Those are head lice, parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They lay eggs (nits) near the hair shaft, which hatch in a week.
Symptoms:
Itchiness around the scalp, neck, and ears is the main giveaway. This can start weeks after the initial infestation. Resist the urge to scratch, as it can lead to infections.
How do they spread?
Direct head-to-head contact during play, sports, or sleepovers is the main culprit. Sharing personal items like combs or hats can also contribute, but pets and the environment aren’t involved.
Treatment:
Head lice are easily treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Wash all bedding and clothing in hot water.
Key points to remember:
- Head lice don’t discriminate. Anyone can get them.
- Scratching makes things worse.
- Lice crawl, they don’t jump, so casual contact is unlikely to spread them.
- Hair color or dyes have no effect on lice.
- Children get them more often due to close contact at school.
- Report infestations to school nurses and close contacts.
By staying informed and taking action quickly, you can deal with head lice effectively and keep your child healthy and comfortable.
