Most of us squirm and start scratching our heads when we hear those words.  It feels even more devastating when you find it on your own child's head.  It's frustrating, it's time-consuming and some people feel that it is gross.  Why and how could your child get head lice?  They bathe/shower, they keep clean, etc.   Head lice are not picky.  It doesn't mean you have a messy home or are dirty.  They actually prefer clean heads. 

 

Head lice have been around for a long time and will probably be around forever.  Most of the time we never know where they came from and when.  The main thing to do is not PANIC!!  Head lice do not carry disease and are classified as a nuisance, and that's all they are!!

 

The most important thing you can do as a parent is to check your child's head frequently during the year.  Head lice can spread during the school and summer months.   Talk to your children about sharing items that touch the head/hair such as combs, brushes, hats, headbands, etc.   Sharing a bed, close contact with heads touching, is also a way that it can spread.  We try to watch the children in school and limit ways of spreading head lice, but sometimes it just happens.  Take a look at how things are done at dance class, basketball, church and such.  Are coats and hats in a pile or touching each other?  Does your child frequently hug their friends?  These are all ways that could possibly spread head lice. 

 

Below are some links on how to deal with head lice if you were to find them on your child's head.  Please also view the common myths regarding head lice.

Myths and Facts of Head Lice

 

What Do Nits and Lice Look Like?

 

For more information on head lice, visit:

If you need additional information, please contact the health office at your child’s school or you can contact me at the phone number listed below.

Sincerely,

Melissa Bright, LSN
1-320-762-3300  ext 4134
District 206 Nurse