Head Lice
(previously published in The Experts Magazine)

School has started and that means there are a lot of happy parents. However, it is not uncommon for head lice (pediculosis) to break out at some point during the school year. Infestation spreads from direct contact with an infected person or through their belongings. If treated immediately, it can be brought under control. A louse is a 6-legged wingless insect 1-2 mm long, beige to dark brown, and feeds by biting and sucking blood causing severe itching. Eggs (nits) may be seen attached to the hair shaft, usually behind the ears, on the crown and at the back of the head. They are oval shaped, 1mm in size, and greyish white in colour. If infestation occurs, all household members must be treated immediately, whether infested or not. Persons in close contact should also be told to check for head lice.

Treatment: Use over-the-counter lice shampoo to kill most of the lice. NIX is 99% effective and provides protection against re-infestation for up to 2 weeks. The shampoo must kill the nits as well, or they will hatch and re-infest the scalp. Rinse well until water is clear, then dry the hair. Liberally apply olive oil and leave on for at least 8 hours. This works by covering the holes though which lice breathe, If the louse is resistant to the chemicals in the lice shampoo, then suffocation should kill it. Leave oil in the hair for the comb-out.. Divide hair into small sections and comb thoroughly with a fine-toothed comb dipped in vinegar to help loosen nits. Repeat olive oil treatment on days 2,5,9,13,17,& 22 to coincide with the life cycle of the louse. Do not miss any days or you will have to start all over! Now, everything in the home that has been in contact with the infested person must be treated as well. This includes bedding, clothing, rugs, furniture, stuffed toys, etc. In other words, it’s house-cleaning time. As always, prevention is the best defence against lice infestation.

Teach your children the following:

• do not share personal grooming aids (combs, brushes, hair accessories), towels, hats, coats, headphones, sleeping bags etc.
• do not try on hats, scarves, etc. in stores.
• keep long hair tied back.
• keep scarf or hat in coat sleeve when not wearing them.
• check your child’s head weekly.

Although you may wish to have your child’s hair cut very short to make it easier to remove the lice, you will have to cut it yourself. Please do not attempt to get a hair cut in a salon, as we are not allowed to handle any clients with head lice.

This information is taken from the Palliser Health Authority. If you need any more details, please contact them.