Head Lice

  Head lice is frequently found among large groups of young children particularly in Texas elementary schools.  If you notice your child has head lice, do not panic or be embarrassed!  Lice are an easily treatable condition.

   Lice are tiny insects that survive on human blood.  Head lice are about as big as a sesame seed and live on the human scalp.  Lice hatch from eggs called nits.  Nits are extremely tiny, yellowish or grayish white and teardrop shaped.  The nits are attached to the hair shaft and will not wash out or blow away.  They must be combed out with a special comb designed for this purpose. Lice hatch in about one week and are fully mature in about nine to twelve days.

  Lice can be easily eliminated with relatively easy shampoo treatments and the removal of the nits.  It is important to apply the treatment to DRY hair and follow the directions carefully.  You will need to comb through all of the hair, going section by section, to remove all of the nits.

You will need to treat your child's hair and also the home environment.  If your child comes home with head lice:
1.  Check every member of the family.
2.  Use an effective head lice treatment and repeat the treatment in seven to ten days.
3.  Use a nit comb nightly to remove nits.
4.  Wash clothes, bed linen, and towels in hot water (at least 130 degrees) and place the clothes in a hot dryer for 20 minutes.  Remember to wash jackets, coats, hats, etc.
5.  Soak any combs and brushes in hot water (130 degrees) for 10 minutes.
6.  Pillows need to be placed in the dryer on the hot cycle for one full cycle.
7.  Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum!  Vacuum everywhere!  Discard the vacuum cleaner bag when completed.
8.  Place all non-washable items in a tightly sealed bag for 14 days, then open outdoors and shake vigorously.
9.  Also remember to vacuum your car!
If you have any questions - please call Nurse Schneider at Windcrest.