Notice from the Health Office
CATALINA
FOOTHILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT
HEALTH SERVICES
HEAD
LICE: A Letter from the School Health Office
To Parents/Guardians:
We have had some cases of pediculosis (head lice) reported
at OGMS. There has been a resurgence of head lice in recent years. Anyone
can get head lice regardless of income, age, sex, race and neighborhood. Head
lice are very tiny insects that live on the scalp of humans. They can spread very fast from person
to person through direct contact with combs, bedding, articles of clothing or
head gear of an infected person.
Persons who have head lice may have persistent head scratching. It is
hard to see head lice as they move quickly and shy away from light. The nits, or eggs, are tiny, pinpoint
size, round glistening pearl-like
beads attached firmly to the hair shaft close to the scalp. Nits can resemble
flakes of dandruff but cannot be easily removed because they adhere to the hair
shaft with a “glue” like substance.
They are commonly found behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
Please check your child’s head and other members of
your family. If you find nits or head lice proceed with the following
instructions. All cases must be reported to the school health office.
1. Shampoo the hair
with an appropriate shampoo or cream rinse which is labeled for controlling
lice. Some examples include Nix and Rid.
These and other products are available at your local drug store, or they
may be prescribed by a doctor. A second treatment in 7 to 10 days after the
initial treatment may be necessary to kill remaining eggs depending on the
product used. Be sure to follow
the directions on the label!!!
Do not use remedies or products that are not labeled for controlling
lice as these may not work and they may even be harmful. After shampooing, rinse hair thoroughly
and rub dry with a clean towel.
After shampooing, comb the hair to remove remaining lice and nits.
2. The MOST
important treatment is to "Comb Out" EVERY louse and nit! Comb well with a clean, fine-toothed
comb to manually remove lice and loosen the nits. Some of the most effective combs on the market are the LiceMeister
or the Robi Comb (see RobiComb.com), which are available at many
drugstores or online. The National
Pediculosis Association has the LiceMeister comb and also a very informative
website. Go to www.HeadLice.org or
call 1-888-542-3634 for assistance.
Other excellent advice is from the Harvard
School of Public Health: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice.html
3. Wash all dirty
clothing, linens and towels in a hot or warm wash cycle. Non-washable items may be dry-cleaned,
or they may be vacuumed and sealed in a black plastic bag for two weeks.
4. Soak combs, brushes,
hair picks, etc. in hot (almost boiling) water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Vacuum car seats,
chairs, couches and other furniture where the children sit, sleep or play in
order to remove lice or loose hair that may have nits attached. Lice only live for 1-2 days off a human
head. You do not need to apply
household pesticides. Pets do
not harbor head lice.
6. Teach your child to
avoid getting head lice by not sharing hats, combs, brushes, scarves or
coats.
Continue DAILY head checks for nits and live lice for 2 weeks and then
on a regular basis at home.
Thank you for your help and attention in the efforts
to keep our school’s students healthy learners. Please contact the school health office, PIMA COUNTY HEALTH
DEPT. (243-7797) or your health care provider with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Allison Holmes and Lyndee Jones
School
Nurses
