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Care to Share Bulletin

Head lice are parasites that live on blood.  More often than not, they can be found on a clean, well-groomed head.  They spread very easily from person to person and should be treated as soon as possible.

Diagnosis  The child’s hair should be examined under a bright light by sectioning the hair.  Check especially the nape of the neck and behind the ears.  Nits are lice eggs and stick to the hair shaft close to the scalp.  Unlike dandruff, nits stick tight to the hair despite combing.  Lice, which are the products of hatched nits, crawl about in the hair and scalp.  They are small (the size of a sesame seed) and grayish or brownish in color.

Treatment 

1. Shampoo:  If nits or lice are found, the hair should be washed with a special shampoo. (Nix is an example of an over the counter shampoo.  It should not be used in persons with ragweed allergies.)
2. Nits:  Removing nits is a mandatory part of lice control and takes time.  After shampooing, methodically divide the hair into 1 inch sections.  Remove the nits by grasping them between the thumb and forefinger and drag them down and off the hair shaft.  Vinegar applied to the finger is helpful to loosen the nits from the hair shaft.  A fine tooth metal “nit comb” may also be useful. 
3. Household:  Remove lice and fallen nits from headboards, furniture, rugs and car seats by vacuuming thoroughly and carefully.  Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag afterwards.  Wash all bedding, towels and clothing including cups and head gear in HOT water (at least 130*F- tap water is usually only 110*F).  Dry in the dryer on HIGH at least 20 minutes.  Lice and nits are killed by heat, not the water.  Items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned such as stuffed animals should be placed in a closed plastic bag for 2 weeks. 

Follow-up