- Anyone can get head lice.
- Head lice are passed from person to person by direct contact or by sharing objects such as combs, brushes, towels, hats, stuffed animals, etc.
- Head lice don't transmit disease but the itchy scalp can result in sores that can become infected.
- Head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene or poor housekeeping.
- Due to long hair and tendency to head nuzzle, girls are prime targets for head lice. However, boys get them too.
- EVERY family member should be checked for tiny whitish-gray eggs (nits). These eggs looks like dandruff but are difficult to remove from the hair shaft. If they are not removed, they hatch in about one week and there are more lice.
- Check student's hair at least once a week during the school year.
- Use an effective head lice treatment on every family member with lice and/or nits. DO NOT OVERTREAT!! There are lice shampoos available without a prescription. Follow the directions on the package.
- After treating, remove ALL nits by combing the hair with the comb provided with the lice treatment or by picking the nits off the hair shaft with your fingers. ALL NITS MUST BE GONE!
- Wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat cycle.
- Store in a tightly sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks such items as hats, helmets and stuffed animals.
- Soak combs, brushes, hair clips in hot water to kill attached lice and eggs.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, car seats.
- Without a human host, head lice won't survive. Head lice don't like your pets so you can't get lice from pets.
School Health Services at 330-723-6393, Ext. 118 or
Medina County Health Department at 330-723-9688 or
National Pediculosis Association at www.headlice.org