Check your students for head lice

I've had several phone calls about head lice over the last couple of weeks.  It seems to be more prevalent in the elementary and middle schools, but it does pop up in the high school as well, so beware.  Here are some helpful hints if head lice happens to you or yours...

After you use the medicated shampoo to kill the live lice, you will still need to remove the nits (eggs) that are glued to the hair shaft.  If you do not remove all of the nits, they are still capable of hatching and starting the whole process all over again.  Nit’s can live up to one month, which is why it is so important to remove all of them.  Lice can live 5-7 days away from a human host.  Olive oil seems to help if applied to the hair – helps nits slide off easier. 

When you start the cleaning process, you’ll need to wash all bedding that your child has come in contact with.  I suggest using a laundromat to save time.  A home washing machine and dryer will work just as well…. Just a lot more loads of wash.  L  Use hot water and dry on high heat if possible.  If you can dry on high heat, this will help kill nits also.  Anything that can’t be washed or thrown in the dryer on high heat should be bagged up in garbage bags and left alone for 2 weeks.  Don't forget to throw pillows in the dryer.  

Try drying hair with a blow dryer on high heat setting (be careful not to burn the scalp).  Also try using a curling iron or flat iron on the hair to help kill the nits. 

There are lots of lice products out there, you can buy nit combs, etc., but the most important thing you can do is be vigilant in checking for nits daily and picking all nits out that you see.  I would keep this up until you have several nit picking sessions that come up without you finding any nits.  Nits like the back of the head close to the neck and behind the ears, but can be found anywhere on the head.

Keep in mind that you should check all members of your household for nits/lice.  It is also helpful to inform people you are in close contact with so they can be checked as well. 

Don’t forget to bag up or clean items like backpacks, coats, scarves, hair accessories, pillows, hats, brushes/combs, etc. 

You are welcome to call the school and speak with the nurse or the health clerk for any questions or concerns. 

Thanks,

Mrs. Varrelman