Head Lice In Children
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is head lice infestation?
- A head lice infestation is also called Pediculosis (pe-dik-u-LOH-sis) capitis. An infestation is when tiny parasites (bugs) called lice live on a person's scalp (head) and hair. Head lice infestation may happen to anyone regardless of age, race, and social status. Girls between 3 and 12 years of age are most commonly affected. Head lice infestation is not a sign that a person is not clean and does not spread any disease.
- Head lice bite into the scalp and suck human blood to live and grow. These bugs can crawl and climb but cannot jump or fly. Adult lice can be colored tan, gray, or brown and are about the size of a sesame seed. Adult bugs lay nits (head lice eggs) and glue them onto the hair very close to the scalp. Nits look like tiny pieces of dandruff that cannot be brushed off the hair. Nymphs (baby head lice) hatch from the nits and become adult lice in 9 to 12 days.
How do head lice spread? People who have head lice can spread them to others very easily. Your child may get head lice by direct contact with these people. Using their combs, hairbrushes, hats, or hair ribbons may also spread the lice. Your child may also get lice by lying on the same bed, couch, or carpet of a lice-infested person. Sharing sleeping quarters, such as in daycare centers or camps, may allow easier spread of head lice.
What are the signs and symptoms of head lice infestation? The most common symptom of head lice infestation is itching of the scalp. Your child may also have a ticklish feeling of something crawling on his head. Live lice crawling or nits stuck to the hair very close to the scalp may be seen. You may also see dark specks, red bite marks, sores (wounds), or swelling on the scalp. These are often found behind the ears or at the back of the neck.
How is head lice infestation diagnosed? Head lice infestation is diagnosed by doing a careful inspection of your child' scalp and hair. Finding live lice on your child's head tells you that he is infested. A fine-toothed comb may be used to get the lice or nits. This is done especially when your child has long, thick hair. It is important not to confuse nits with dandruff, lint, sand, or dried deposits of hair spray. Caregivers may check the nits using a hand lens or microscope. Hair strands may also be sent to the lab to help confirm nits.
How is head lice infestation treated? Your child may have any of the following:
- Lice medicines: These medicines are also called pediculicides and are mostly in the form of shampoos. Lice medicines are used to kill lice that are on the head. These do not prevent lice infestation. Do not use any lice medicine on children less than 2 years old. Tell your child's caregiver if your child has allergies, asthma, or skin problems before using this on him. Read and follow the directions very carefully.
- Wet combing: This is also called bug busting. This is done using a fine-toothed comb to remove nits left in the hair after lice treatment. Combing the hair while it is still wet makes lice and nits easier to remove. Wet combing may be the only treatment recommended for children younger than 2 years. Oils or distilled white vinegar may also be used to ease combing and soften the nit attachment.
What can I do if my child has head lice infestation?
- Do not shave your child's hair.
- Do not use acetone, bleach, kerosene or other flammable products to kill lice. You should also not use products intended for your pets or other animals to treat head lice in children.
- Have your child treated until there are no more lice or nits on his head.
- Try to keep your child from scratching his scalp. Trim his fingernails or have him wear soft gloves or mittens if scratching is a problem.
How can head lice infestation be prevented? Head lice infestations cannot be totally prevented. The following may help prevent spread of head lice:
- Avoid sharing personal items that come in contact with hair, such as combs, hairbrush, hats, pillows, or towels.
- Disinfect (clean) personal hair care items and bedding. Combs and hair brushes should be treated with pediculicides or soaked in hot water. Bedding sheets, pillowcases, towels, and clothes should be washed in hot water or dry cleaned. Items that cannot be washed can be put in airtight plastic bags for two weeks.
- If your child has head lice, check all family members and friends who he has come into contact with. Treat those who have lice at the same time.
- Keep those who are infested with head lice from close, direct head contacts with others.
- Vacuum furniture, rugs, carpets, car seats, or other fabrics.
What are the risks of having head lice infestation? Head lice infestation may cause severe itching and other problems due to frequent scratching. Your child may have bleeding on the scalp, infection, and swelling. Having head lice may cause fear in your child because of the social shame it might have. Treatment for head lice infestation may also cause unpleasant side effects. Some lice medicines may make your child very sick if not used correctly. They may cause mild burning of the scalp, allergic reaction, irritability, nervousness, or seizures (convulsions).
The risks of serious illness and other problems are small if you follow your child's caregiver's advice. Ask your child's caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your child's infestation, medicine, or care.Where can I find support and more information? Having a head lice infestation may be hard for you, your child, or your family. Contact the following for more information about head lice infestation:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mailstop F07
Atlanta, Georgia 30333
Phone: 1-404-6393534
Phone: 1-800-3113435
Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov
- National Pediculosis Association
50 Kearney Road
Needham, Massachusetts 02494
Phone: 1-781-449-6487
Web Address: http://www.headlice.org
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.
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