Health and Nurse Services

What are head lice?

Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that live close to the scalp and feed on blood. They are about the size of a sesame seed with pale, gray bodies.

What are nits?

Nits are lice eggs attached firmly at the base of the hair shaft about 1/4” from the scalp. They are oval shaped, very small (about the size of a knot in thread) and difficult to see. They are frequently found on hair behind the ears and near the back of the neck. Nits are often confused with dandruff, dirt or hair spray droplets, but they do not flick off the scalp like dandruff does.

• Some children may not have symptoms, if the infestation is light
• Scalp becomes itchy due to allergic reaction to louse bites (may take 4 - 6 weeks to appear)
• Itchy scalp, or sense something moving through your hair
• Sores on the head caused by scratching
• Visible lice or nits
• Irritability and sleeplessness 

• Use an FDA-approved lice medicine (pediculicide) according to the instructions on the product. Do NOT use a combination shampoo/ conditioner, or conditioner, prior to using lice medicine. Prescription products are also available.
• Put on clean clothing after treatment.
• Comb hair with a fine-toothed metal nit comb (cannot see through the tines) to remove lice and nits.
• Disinfect all combs and brushes before using them again by boiling them in water for 5-10 minutes or soak in 70% Isopropyl alcohol for 1 hour.
• Check your child’s hair daily. Manually, or with a fine-toothed metal nit comb, remove nits for 2 weeks following the initial treatment.
• Retreat your child with lice medicine 7-10 days after initial treatment. Day 9 is ideal for retreating.
• Continue to check your child’s head weekly for at least 4 weeks.

Anyone can get head lice — it is not related to personal hygiene or the cleanliness of a home, work or play environment. Lice are most common among preschool and elementary school-age children, their household members and caretakers.

• Direct head-to-head contact with someone who has head lice.
• Indirect contact with personal belongings such as brushes, combs, clothing/hats, bedding and upholstered furniture. This is less common.

• All household members should be examined for head lice
• All infested persons and their bedmates should be treated

• Hats, scarves, pillow cases, bedding, towels and clothing worn or used by the infested person should be washed and dried using hot water and hot air.
• Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
• Lice survive less than 2 days, and nits less than 1 week, if they fall off a person and cannot feed.
• Vacuum carpeting, upholstered furniture, and car seats.

Head lice can be found in every community at all times and are not an indicator of cleanliness or socioeconomic status. Lice are a nuisance, but do not spread disease. According to the CDC, National School Nurses Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, students found to have live head lice may remain in the classroom the remainder of the school day. Students can then go home, be treated with an FDA-approved lice treatment and return to school after appropriate treatment has begun. The D.C. Everest Area School District has developed guidelines or the identification, management and treatment of head lice. It is the responsibility of families to check their students’ heads on a regular basis. If live head lice are found, treatment should be started immediately. Promptly diagnosing and treating lice are the best means of control.

If you have questions regarding treatment for head lice please contact your medical provider, D.C. Everest School Health Aide, or the Marathon County Health Department - 715.261.1900