Head Lice Information

As we head into the fall/winter and the use of hoods and hats we often see an uprise of cases of head lice in schools. Head lice are common in children and do not spread disease. They are a nuisance and unpleasant, but they are not dangerous. Teach your child to avoid head-to-head contact. Children should not share combs, hairbrushes, tuques, hats or hair accessories. It is important that students are checked regularly.

What to look for?
Lice: Brown or grey, on or close to the scalp
Eggs: Tiny, oval, glued to the hair shaft near the scalp especially behind the ears, back of the neck and under bangs

Everyone in your house who you find has lice must be treated on the same day. There are many head lice products available from your pharmacy. New products are available that do not contain traditional insecticides. You can also use the Wet Combing method.

Because head lice don’t live long off the scalp, there is no need for extra cleaning. However, you do need to get rid of lice or nits from items that touch the head such as hats, pillowcases, towels, combs and brushes

Once your child is completely free of lice and eggs, it is still important to continue to check regularly for lice. Finding lice and removing them before they multiply makes getting rid of them easier and helps to control spread to others.

More information can be found at Caring for Kids/head lice

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