What are head lice?
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live close to the human scalp. They feed on blood. The eggs, also called nits, are tiny, teardrop shaped eggs that attach to the hair shaft. Nits often appear yellowish or white and can look like dandruff but cannot be removed or brushed off. The nymph, or baby louse, is smaller and grow to adult size in one to two weeks. The adult louse is the size of a sesame seed appears tan to grayish-white. An itchy and inflamed scalp is a common symptom of lice. Although not common, persistent scratching may lead to skin irritation and even infection.
Who is affected by head lice?
Head lice are not related to cleanliness. In fact, head lice often infest people with good hygiene and grooming habits. Infestations can occur at home, school or in the community. Head lice are mostly spread by direct head-to-head contact—for example, during play at home or school, slumber parties, sports activities or camp. Less often, lice are spread via objects that have been in recent contact with a person with head lice, such as hats, scarves, hair ribbons, combs, brushes, stuffed animals or bedding.
What to do if an infestation occurs?
If you think your child has head lice, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment approach for your family. Resistance to some over-the-counter head lice treatments has been reported, but the prevalence of resistance is not known. There are new prescription treatment options available that are safe and do not require nit combing.
Staying home when infected
The Board believes that pediculosis (head lice) is a communicable condition. Students identified as having pediculosis shall be excluded from school and considered absent until the student exhibits no evidence of live lice. If it is determined that the student has live lice present, the parent will be notified and the student will be sent home. Students with nits only, will not be excluded from school (American School Health Association, 2009). If viable nits are found within ½ inch of the scalp, the parent will be notified but the student may remain in school for the day. The student must be treated and the viable nits removed before the student may return to school. The parent will be called and provided with a lice information packet including this head lice policy.
A student excluded from school for pediculosis shall be readmitted upon the inspection and approval of the school nurse. Before returning to school after exclusion for pediculosis, please refer to policy 5421 Head Lice (Pediculosis).