How to Handle Head Lice
Head lice are a very common ailment suffered by both boys and girls once school is back in season. These tiny bugs are definitely a nuisance and can sideline your child?s learning in the form of missed school until he or she is lice-free. Read on to learn more about head lice?
Head lice do not carry disease. They are simply a nuisance!
Head lice are spread by direct contact with the hair of an infested person. Anyone who comes in head-to-head contact with someone who already has head lice is at greatest risk. Head lice is spread by contact with clothing (such as hats, scarves, coats) or other personal items (such as combs, brushes or towels).
Female head lice bugs lay eggs ? called nits ? in the hair, usually near the scalp/base of the head. The nits are sticky and they adhere to individual hair strands. The presence of head lice does not mean your child has poor personal hygiene or is ?dirty? or ?unhealthy.?
Head lice move by crawling ? they do not hop or fly.
Pets cannot get or transmit head lice.
After several days, the eggs hatch into live lice bugs that then start laying more eggs. That?s why it?s important to get your child?s head ?nit-free? as soon as head lice are discovered.
Nits are light colored and very tiny, making them hard to see if you have blonde hair.
Not everyone who gets head lice has an itchy scalp, only those who are sensitive to the bites.
According to the CDC, the signs and symptoms of head lice infestation can be:
-Tickling feeling of something moving in the hair.
-Itching, caused by an allergic reaction to the bites of the head louse.
-Irritability and difficulty sleeping; head lice are most active in the dark.
-Sores on the head caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria found on the person's skin.
-Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for treatment of head lice infestations.
The Little Clinic can help with head lice diagnosis and treatment options. Visit The Little Clinic website to find a clinic near you.
