1) Keep your child home until treated (treat as soon as possible).

2) Inspect the hair of ALL FAMILY MEMBERS and treat accordingly.
a. Live lice are small, move quickly, and may be difficult to see.

b. Nits look like tiny, light colored tear drops about the size of sesame seeds.

c. Live nits are glued to the hair shaft near the scalp and are difficult to dislodge.

d. Check especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.

e. Family members not infested need not be treated.

f. Lice cannot survive on pets. Pets need not be treated.

3) Notify school nurse of appropriate school if siblings are infested.

4) Hair treatment: killing live lice and/or live nits.
a. Consult doctor or pharmacist for appropriate lice killing shampoo

b. Wash hair as soon as possible with pediculicidal shampoo (follow package directions--shampoos must be applied to DRY hair)

c. Wash ALL infested family member's hair.

d. Follow shampoo directions (most recommend a re-treatment in 7 to 10 days).

5) Nit Removal:  Nit removal is the KEY to minimize re-infestation.
a. Remove all nits with a fine tooth metal comb, or with fingernails and fingers.

b. Divide hair into small sections.

c. Cream rinse applied to hair may help comb through the hair.

d. Possibly, vinegar applied to the hair may help to loosen nits.

e. Check hair daily and continue to remove nits as necessary.

6). Cleaning the environment.
a. Wash clothes, hats, coats, bed linens, combs, brushes, etc. in hot water. Dry fabric

items in dryer.

b. Vacuum all floor surfaces and furniture, including the car.

c. Unwashable items: ie. stuffed animals, pillows, favorite toys child sleeps with, etc.

Place in plastic bag and keep sealed for 2 weeks.

d. Sprays and bombs are not recommended. There is no clear evidence of their

effectiveness, and they are more likely to cause irritation.

7) Returning to school:  student may return to school after hair treatment is completed.
a. School nurses recommend that a family member transport student to school to be seen by the school nurse.

b. The school nurse will check the student's hair in the presence of the parent/guardian.

c. Student may return to the classroom when there is no evidence of live lice and/or live nits.

Additional information may be obtained at www.headlice.org