Head Lice Giving You Trouble?
Head lice are tiny insects with flat oval bodies with claws. They vary in colour: tan, brown, dark grey to greying white. “Nits” are lice eggs. They’re white to grey and they stick to the hair close to the scalp. The first sign may be itching and scratching. The best way to know for sure is to look for live lice on the scalp, particularly around the ears and at the back of the neck. Use a magnifying glass and bright light (like daylight) when checking for head lice.
Head lice are a social nuisance, not a health problem. Their presence has nothing to do with being dirty or clean. They don’t carry disease or cause illness.
Parents should:
- Check their children’s heads weekly for signs of infestation (daily during a lice infestation).
- Notify the school/child care when their child has lice, as well as others who have come into contact with the child (such as family members, neighbours, etc.).
** DO NOT use head lice treatment on anyone unless you find live head lice in their hair. If someone in the household has head lice, check all family members. **
Getting rid of head lice
Treatment
Note: Some lice treatments are free (covered by OHIP+) for anyone 24 years or younger who is not covered by a private plan. Talk to your pharmacist for more information.
Although you may hear of alternative treatments, use a head lice shampoo, cream rinse or lotion and follow instructions closely. Ask your pharmacist which treatment is appropriate for your child’s age and how to use it.
Some of the eggs may survive the first treatment. Treat once more 7 to 10 days later.
Remove all the nits that you find using your thumb and index finger to slide them off the hair shaft into a plastic bag (a metal comb specially designed for nit removal makes this easier).
If you find live head lice 48 hours after treatment it may indicate resistance. You should consult a pharmacist or a health care provider to see if a different treatment is necessary.
Comb out lice and nits daily for the duration of the infestation then check your child’s head weekly after that for any signs of head lice.
** None of the treatments on the market will kill 100% of the nits. That’s why a second treatment is needed. **
Steps to take after each treatment
- Washable items: Launder in hot soapy water for at least 10 minutes or put in the dryer on high heat for at least 15 minutes. (Bedding, coats, hats, towels).
- Items that can’t be washed may be put in a sealed plastic bag for 14 days. Wash and soak all brushes, combs and other hair accessories such as hairbands or scrunchies in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Vacuum couches, mattress and car seat.
To prevent the spread of head lice
- Teach your child not to share personal items such as hats, brushes, hair accessories and headphones.
- Avoid head-to-head contact during infestations.