Head Lice Or Nits Were Found in Your Child S Hair Today. It Is Important to Act Immediately

Dear Parent:

Head lice or nits were found in your child’s hair today. It is important to act immediately to prevent the spread of

head lice to others in your family and to classmates. Head lice are small, only about 1/16th of an inch long. They are

grayish-white with dark edges. They cannot fly or jump, but they move very quickly. That is why it is difficult to

find them in your child’s hair. Diagnosis of head lice is made when lice eggs (nits), are clearly evident. Nits are

teardrop in shape and also very small, about 1/32 of an inch. They are “glued” to the hair and cannot be washed or

brushed out. Clusters of nits may be found in any section of the hair, but are commonly found behind the ears and at

the nape of the neck. Getting rid of all head lice and nits is required before your child can return to school.

KILL THE LICE

Wash the hair with a lice-killing product. Many products are available. Speak with your pharmacist if you are not sure which product to use. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. Many products require application to dry hair, while others may specify wet hair.

REMOVE ALL THE NITS

Removal of all nits is important to avoid reinfestation. Divide the hair into small sections to make removal easier. Comb small strands of hair carefully with a long toothed nit comb or use tweezers or your fingernails to remove the nits. Check all family members.

CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT

Cleaning the environment is necessary to prevent reinfestation. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes. Wash all bedding in hot water, and dry in clothes dryer under hot setting. This includes sheets, mattress pads, pillowcases, blankets, and bedspreads. Put pillows and non-washable bedding in a dryer for 30 minutes or hang in direct sun for 8 hours, or seal in a dark plastic bag for 14 days. Vacuum all mattresses or run a hot iron over them, especially around buttons. Use clean bedding on all beds. Carefully vacuum all upholstered furniture, throw pillows, car seats, rugs or carpets. Remove used vacuum bag and seal in plastic bag. (Nits can hatch in the vacuum bag). Wash all clothing and any other items that have come in contact with your child’s head in the past 14 days. Notify all people that have recently been in contact with your child.

CHECK HAIR DAILY FOR TWO WEEKS, REMOVING ALL NITS.

RE-TREAT WITH LICE KILLING PRODUCT IN 7 TO 10 DAYS AFTER FIRST TREATMENT.