South Portland School Department
School Health Services

Dear Parents,

Below are some suggestions on how to identify and treat lice. We will continue to be vigilant at school and to take precautions to prevent transmission. It is the responsibility of families to observe their children for the possible presence of lice and to treat them effectively when necessary. Head lice are spread mostly by direct head-to-head contact. The sharing of hats, combs and other hair accessories may also spread head lice.

If you suspect that your child has head lice……………….Don’t Panic!!!
Anyone can get head lice. It does not reflect on you as a parent. The problem can be eliminated by understanding the information and following the instructions below.

1. Examine your child’s head to identify any lice or nits (eggs). Head lice are small (only about 1/16 of an inch long). They are grayish-white unless they have recently had a meal, in which case they are a darker hue. They do not jump like fleas. Nor do they fly. They do, however, move quickly and are therefore difficult to find in a child’s hair. Nits are even smaller (1/32 of an inch). They range in color from a pearly white to a dark gray. They are shaped like a teardrop and are securely “glued” to individual strands of hair. They cannot be washed or brushed out like dandruff. They can be found anywhere in the hair but are typically located close to the scalp, behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Bright natural light provides ideal lighting when searching for nits. Some people find it helpful to use a magnifying glass.

2. Be suspicious of an itchy scalp. The bite of the adult louse can cause an intense itching sensation that can persist even after successful treatment has occurred. However, only about 50% of persons with head lice report this itch. Check other family members to see if they are infested. Any family member with evidence of lice infestation must also be treated.

3. Use an effective head lice treatment. Your pharmacist can recommend an effective over-the-counter product. Because no treatment is 100% effective against all nits and lice, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that a second, repeat treatment occur 7 to 10 days after the initial shampoo to destroy any late-hatching nits which could result in re-infestation. Preventive treatment (when no lice or nits have been found) is ineffective in protecting against a future infestation. Remember that these products are toxic and unnecessary overuse increases personal risk and exposure to chemicals. Infants should NOT be treated. Before a pregnant or breastfeeding woman treats, a physician must be consulted. Individuals who are sensitive to ragweed should also consult a physician before using these products. Occasionally, particular lice are resistant to over-the-counter products and prescription products must then be used. Fresh clothing should be put on after shampooing.

4. Remove all nits (lice eggs). Because nits are “glued” to strands of hair, it is difficult to remove them. They can be snipped out with scissors or gently pulled off by placing nit between thumb and forefinger and dragging it down the hair-shaft. Though tedious, total removal of nits is one assurance that a re-infestation will not begin again. Do not expect to comb out all nits even with special nit combs.

5. Wash all clothing, bedding and towels. Clothing that has been worn within the last 2 to 4 days must be washed in hot (130 degrees F) water and then dried in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Items that cannot be washed (for example, stuffed animals) can be isolated in an airtight bag for 2 weeks (some sources recommend up to 5 weeks).

6. Treat combs, brushes, barrettes, etc. by soaking them in hot water (130 degrees F) for 10 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, they can be placed in a freezer (14 degrees F or colder) for 24-48 hours.

7. Vacuum everything! Everywhere! Do Not Use Pediculocidal Sprays. Your family does not need exposure to these chemicals. What has proven to be effective is diligent vacuuming of all surfaces that could have made contact with infested hair: mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture, car seats and headrests, carpets, etc. Once everything has been vacuumed, remove the contaminated vacuum cleaner bag, seal it in a plastic trash bag and dispose.

8. Communicate the situation to others who are in a position to be vigilant and to take measures that will diminish the risk of transmission and re-infestation to other persons. This includes informing the school, day care, relatives, and close friends. Instruct your child not to share hats, combs, brushes, hair fasteners, pillows or helmets with others. When not being worn, hats should be tucked into pockets or sleeves to avoid “cross-infestation” from an adjacent potentially infested hat.

9. Be realistic. There is a certain amount of anxiety based on inaccuracies associated with head lice. You can avoid this anxiety by following the above practical guidelines and by keeping in mind certain truths about head lice:

Head lice do not transmit disease.
Head lice do not fly or jump. Crawling and falling are their only modes of transportation.
Head lice will not affect pets.
Head lice need human blood to survive.
Head lice can live up to 30 days, and a female can lay several hundred eggs (nits).
Head lice can survive up to 48 hours away from a human host.

Mayonnaise Treatment (Non-toxic, inexpensive)
An alternative solution

1. Use only 100% real mayonnaise, not light, low fat, or salad dressing like Miracle Whip.
2. Apply the mayonnaise generously to the hair and scalp, making sure that all of the hair and scalp are thoroughly covered
3. Cover the hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap for at least three hours or leave it on overnight.
4. Apply Dawn dishwashing liquid full strength first to hair and massage it well. Then rinse the mayonnaise out with warm water. Then shampoo. The dawn will remove the oil from the hair before the oil and water makes a thick barrier.
5. PICK OUT ALL OF THE NITS!!
6. Repeat the mayonnaise treatment within 4- 5 days or more often if live insects are seen.

For more information, contact your school nurse.