Information about Lice Prevention, Detection and Treatment

The Lice Awareness Program at Chatsworth is run by a PTA committee charged with education and support for the detection, prevention and treatment of head lice.  The following information supplements the lice check program.  Committee Members and the School Nurse are also available to answer additional questions.

Head Lice

Head lice, while a nuisance, do not present a health hazard.  Diligent attention over a sustained period of time is necessary to effectively and completely eliminate lice from your home.  A thorough lice check of your children should be done regularly at home.  If your child has head lice, it is your responsibility to your friends and your community to notify your school nurse and the parents of children with whom your child is in contact.  All appropriate measures to prevent head lice need to be enforced:  no sharing of hats, brushes or personal items, bringing one’s own pillow and bedding to sleepovers and keeping long hair back (in braids or pony tails) during the day.

Suggestions for Removal of Head Lice and Nits

There are many treatments available to eliminate an infestation of head lice.  Both chemical and natural solutions can be found locally at CVS, Rite Aid and Mrs. Green’s.  However, the most successful treatments are combined with frequent and thorough removal of nits (the lice eggs), either manually or with a metal lice comb.  Please see the information below.

Chemical Treatments

Pediculicides, such as Nix or Rid, kill young and adults lice but, do not kill 20 - 30% of nits.  A follow-up is recommended after 7 - 10 days as directed on the box, and manual removal of the nits as well.  The plastic combs provided with those kits are inferior to the metal combs that are available for purchase in stores.  Please note that drug resistance to the chemical treatments is confirmed, especially with the pyrethroids (permethrin and phenothrin), another reason which supports the frequent manual removal of the nits.

Natural Treatments

Non-toxic treatments are viable alternatives to chemical treatments.  They work by either paralyzing the lice or interfering with their growth cycle.  Again, manual removal of the nits is critical as well as a follow up treatment 7 - 10 days later.  Lice-Free is available locally and other brands can be found on the Internet or in health food stores.

Manual Removal of Nits

Manual removal of nits can be done with a metal lice comb or by hand.  Either method requires that one goes through the hair section by section, looking at each hair shaft for the lice eggs (nits).  The nits are usually located about ¼ inch to 3 inches away from the hair follicle on the hair shaft.  As the nits are difficult to see, this is done best under a magnifying light or in natural daylight. 

A combing method that has been particularly successful is detailed below:

·   Mix Pantene Pro V conditioner and baking soda together to the consistency of a cake frosting.

·   Detangle the hair with a normal comb.

·   Take a small 1" square section of the child's hair and put the conditioner/baking soda mix on thickly at the beginning of the hair shaft. 

·   Starting at the hair root, and using a metal lice comb, comb the section of hair a few times, wiping off the conditioner/soda mix on white paper towel. 

·   The consistency of the conditioner and baking soda mix should pull off the nits and you will be able to see them on the paper towel.

·   Continue this procedure on a daily basis until you find no nits and then every 2 or 3 days for another 10 days.

Professional Services
There are professionals who can do this for you.  They come to your home and check all family members for lice and, using their own natural products, remove lice and nits.  The costs of these services can be very high.

Treating the household

It’s important to remember that when cleaning your home during an infestation, lice need a human host – they cannot live off a human for more than 24- 48 hours.  After the initial treatment, the following steps are recommended:

• Clean all bedding, towels and clothing worn in the last 2 days.  A 30 minute high heat cycle in the dryer is sufficient to kill lice and nits.
• Wash combs and brushes in hot soapy water
• Place stuffed animals and decorative pillows in sealed plastic bags for 2 weeks, or, if possible, place in dryer on high heat for 30 minutes
• Vacuum often used furniture around the house, as well as carpets and rugs in common areas, especially the bedroom.

Prevention

We do not support using any chemical treatments preventively until a diagnosis is made.  If you suspect your child has lice or has been exposed to lice, then begin daily checks, regular combing with a metal lice comb, and/or a safe, non-toxic treatment. 

It is thought that tea tree oil and other strong smelling essential oils repel lice.  Either dab the oil lightly around the scalp (behind the ears, nape of the neck, top of the head) or put 10 -15 drops in shampoo and conditioner for similar effect.

Children with long hair should wear it up -- either in braids, a pony tail, or a bun until the threat has passed.

Important Reminders

• Be patient. This is a frustrating problem.
• Check your children for lice regularly and teach them to not share combs, brushes or hats.
• The most common reason for re-infestation of head lice is failure to remove all nits.
• Avoid using lice sprays, pesticides, gasoline or other non-approved products on your child. These can be deadly!
• Call your pediatrician if your child's lice infestation has not resolved in 1-2 weeks or if his scalp has a rash that is infected with pus or honey colored scabs.
• Please read and become familiar with the District’s Policy concerning Head Lice