IT S HEAD LICE SEASON and WILL BE for the Remainder of the School Year!

NURSING NEWS

FROM THE DESK OF EMILY STREIT, USD 113 DISTRICT R.N., 785-284-3448

IT’S HEAD LICE SEASON – and WILL BE for the remainder of the school year!

1.  DEFINED:

a.  Head lice are parasitic insects (relative to the size of a sesame seed) found on the head, eyebrows, and/or eyelashes.

b.  They feed on human blood by living close to the human scalp.

c.  These insects are NOT known to spread disease.

d.  Adult female lice lay nits (eggs) approximately the size of a thread knot; nits are usually found within ¼ inch from the scalp cemented to the hair shaft.

2.  TRANSPORT:

a.  Lice move by crawling, not by hopping or flying.

b.  Direct contact with hair of infected person is required for lice to spread amongst individuals.

c.  Transmission through clothing (hats, scarves, coats, combs, brushes, and towels, etc.) is possible but not as likely.

3.  SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

a.  Visible crawling lice on the scalp, nits cemented to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp – both lice and nits are especially found around/behind the ears and near the neckline

b.  Tickling sensation – caused by lice moving through the hair/across the scalp

c.  Itching – due to the body’s allergic reaction when the lice bite the scalp

d.  Irritability/difficulty sleeping – lice are more active at night, where light exposure is limited

e.  Presence of sores on the scalp – due to scratching, sores can also become infected from the skin’s own bacteria

4.  TREATMENT:

a.  Over-the-counter medicated shampoos (FDA approved) – some may require retreatment 7-9 days after initial treatment

i.  Pyrethrins (with piperonyl butoxide; i.e. A–200, Pronto, R&C, Rid, Triple X)

ii. Permethrin lotion, 1% (i.e. Nix)

b.  Prescription shampoos (FDA approved) – some may require retreatment 7-9 days after initial treatment

i.  Benzyl alcohol lotion, 5% (i.e. Ulefsia)

ii. Ivermectin lotion, 05% (i.e. Sklice)

iii.  Malathion lotion, 0.5% (i.e. Ovide)

iv.  Spinosad, 0.9% topical suspension (i.e. Natroba)

c.  Combing

i.  THOROUGH & FAITHFUL checking/combing through the hair of the affected individual, with a nit comb at least every 2-3 days for 2-3 weeks after each treatment to remove nits and lice will aid successful treatment. All household members will need to be checked for lice as well.

d.  Other

i.  Items used two days prior to treatment by the infected individual (clothing, linens, etc.) should be dry cleaned, OR machine washed on the hot water cycle at 130 degrees Fahrenheit; dried on the high heat setting, OR sealed and stored in a plastic bag for two weeks. Combs/brushes need to be soaked for 5-10 minutes in hot water (130 degrees Farenheit). Though not required, vacuuming surfaces commonly in contact with the individual, can assist with eliminating lice.

5.  PREVENTION:

a.  PRIMARILY Avoid head-to-head contact (hair-to-hair). Additional secondary measures may include not sharing clothing items, hair accessories, or towels - keeping hair groomed, pulled back – and to avoid lying on surfaces recently in contact with an infected individual.

6.  REMINDER:

a.  Head lice is NOT life threatening. Stigmas related to head lice are concerning, therefore confidentiality from the school’s standpoint is crucial. ANYONE can get head lice. Feel free to call 785-284-3448 and ask to speak with the nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/treatment.html