Head Lice

Head Lice

Lice are tiny wingless insects that live on human hair and feed on blood from the scalp. Common in children. Not a sign of poor hygiene, all they need is blood so clean or dirty does not matter. Lice are annoying but they are not dangerous and they do not carry disease.

What To Expect:

  • The bites can make a child’s scalp itchy and irritated - reaction to the saliva of the lice
  • May take weeks for kids with lice to start scratching
  • May complain of things tickling or moving around their heads
  • Small red bumps or sores—too much scratching can lead to a bacterial infection

Important to Know:

  • Spreads easily from person to person: cannot fly or jump; but can crawl and cling to hair. Spread through head-to-head contact and sharing clothing, linens, brushes and hats. -Wash all bed linens, stuffed animals, and clothing used two days before treatment -use very hot water (130 °F) and then hot cycle of dryer -Dry clean items that cannot be washed or put in airtight bags for 2 weeks -Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture -Soak hair items (combs, hair ties) in hot water or throw away
  • Lice eggs (nits) are tiny yellow/tan dots; can find on hair shaft close to scalp—look like dandruff but cannot be removed by brushing -More common to see than live lice crawling on the scalp
  • Adult lice / lymph’s are tiny grayish/white or tan (sesame seed); feed several times per day and can survive 2 days off the scalp
  • Best way to check is with wet hair and a comb under good light, magnifying glass is helpful—look at nape of neck and behind ears
  • Treat with OTC medicated shampoos: follow directions on label
  • **Due to contagiousness, recommend treating everyone in the household
  • Do NOT use essential oils or pesticide sprays

When to call the clinic:

  • If lice persist 2 weeks after treatment or concerns of skin infection

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