Bug Briefs

"Not My Child": Kids and Head Lice

As kids go back to school this year, they'll be bringing lots of new things home. New books, new assignments and, unfortunately, new cases of head lice. When it happens, it's embarrassing but not so unusual. So the Florida Pest Management Association and its member companies offering the following prevention, detection and treatment methods should your family face an infestation.

Exactly What Are They?
Head lice are small, wingless insects with oval heads and flat, elongated bodies. Louse eggs or "nits" are glued at the base of the hair follicle, often behind the ears or at the nape of the neck. The nits hatch in about a week, and the light-colored nymphs begin feeding on the host immediately.

How Do They Spread?
There is little that can be done to prevent infestation. Just because a child turns up infested does not mean that child is the source of the problem. School age children are more likely than adults to share brushes, combs and caps - and that's how the pests are passed on.

The simplest way to check for lice is a vigorous brushing of the hair while the person's head is over the towel. Dislodged lice will be easily seen on the light-colored surface. Any child who has abrasions on the scalp or whose head scratching seems excessive is displaying the symptoms and should be carefully examined. Another method is to examine the head under bright light, starting at the nape of the neck and continuing along a straight part to the forehead. You may use the toothpick to separate the hairs and focus on the hair roots. To an unaided eye, lice can be easily mistaken for dandruff or globules of hair oil. But with a magnifying glass, the egg is easily spotted.

Fortunately, head lice have little actual medical impact. Their feeding activity causes extreme scalp irritation, but they aren't known to transmit any disease. Secondary infections, however, can occur if repeated scratching breaks the skin.

What Should I Do If I Find Them?
Seeing just one louse calls for immediate treatment. All family members should be checked and you should notify a child's teacher or the parents of children the child has been around. Catching the problem in the early stages can prevent reinfestation.

Contrary to popular belief, vinegar does not remove louse eggs or have much effect on the lice. When possible, contacting a personal physician or pediatrician is advisable. Products available by prescription are the most effective.

There are several over-the-counter "pediculicide" products that kill lice and nymphs, but they do not kill the eggs. Usually one or two additional treatments at seven to 10 day intervals are needed.

After shampooing the child's hair, the treatments can be applied in the sink. Be sure to follow the directions carefully; leaving the treatment on longer than instructions advise can be harmful to the scalp.

Then comes the mechanical removal of louse eggs. A special comb is generally provided with the pediculicide and is best used when the hair is still damp.

Brushes and combs should be washed thoroughly in hot water (more than 130·F). Clothing, bed linens and other personal items can be washed in hot soapy water and dried in the dryer for at least 20 minutes. Beyond that, vacuuming mattresses, upholstery and carpeting will pick up stray lice. But remember, head lice cannot survive away from a host for more than 48 hours. Isolating items such as toys or dry-cleaning for that time period is a simple solution.

Remember that detection and quick treatment are the best responses to head lice infestation. And take solace from the fact that millions of families have faced and conquered this pesky pest.

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