February Nurse Note

Dear Parents/ Guardians:

I am still receiving rare reports of head lice from parents. If your child is scratching their head more frequently or vigorously than usual, please take a very careful look at their head and hair.

Lice are small and very fast so you will not usually see lice crawling unless the infestation is very heavy. Lice are light colored so very difficult to spot in light colored hair. Nits (eggs of lice) however, can be readily seen. They are white or light colored rounds or ovals about the size of a sesame seed attached to hair shafts. They are “glued” in place and are not easily moved. (Dandruff is flat and moves very readily.)  If in doubt the nurse will check your child’s head prior to start of school with a parent present. More information is available on the Rockwood School District website at the following link.  http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/boardofeducation/policiesandregulations/District%20Forms/Head%20Lice%20-%20A%20Real%20Head%20Scratcher.pdf

If lice are found, please treat with a product recommended by your pediatrician or pharmacist and comb thoroughly with a (metal is recommended) lice comb.  You will need to purchase the metal comb separately. Make sure you clean all bedding and clothing and vacuum the house thoroughly to prevent re-infestation. Directions are included on the Rockwood site. When your child is ready to return to school, have you child’s head checked by the nurse with a parent present before school starts for the day.

Keeping lice away is not easy. They like clean, healthy hair and scalps. Products claiming they keep lice away have not been proven to be effective.

The best measures involve reminding your child not to share head gear, brushes, combs, jackets, coats and hats or earmuffs. This also includes sharing pillows, blankets, or sleeping bags at sleepovers. Washing things that are used in the hair like combs and hats in hot water frequently may help.  Remind girls that playing salon or styling others’ hair is not a good idea unless each participant brings and uses their own hair supplies only. Using a hairdryer after hair is washed on the high setting will help as does using heated hair care tools. Lice also seem to avoid children who use hair products like hairspray, gels and mousse. Keeping long hair up in ponytails, braids or pigtails seems to help as well since lice cannot jump or fly but spread by direct contact.

Check your children’s hair periodically while your child is watching television or playing a video game. Most cases are not found until almost 2 months after infestation. Using a metal lice comb makes it easier to thoroughly inspect hair since the tines are much more closely spaced.

Remember although yucky lice are not a disease carrier and is not the sign of poor hygiene. They are simply an annoyance.