Head lice are very small, wingless insects, or parasites, that live on your head, eyebrows or eyelashes and feed on human blood. They can live on a human for up to 30 days, but cannot survive off the human body for more than two days. Head lice are more common on children than on adults, mostly due to the fact that children are often in very close proximity to each other, such as in schools and day care centers.
How do Head Lice Spread?
Head lice can spread easily, usually by coming in head-to-head contact with a person who has lice. They do not jump, but they move quickly. Children are more likely to get head lice in the fall when school starts due to activities such as contact sports, slumber parties and playing on playgrounds. Sharing items, such as a brush or comb, with an infected child can spread lice, as well as wearing hats, coats or scarves belonging to a person who has lice. Lice do not live on pets, so your dog or cat cannot spread lice.
Symptoms
According to the Vermont Department of Health, one of the first symptoms of having head lice is itching and scratching around the child's ears and on the back of the head. Small, red bumps may appear on the shoulders, neck and scalp. Parents should check for very small white specks, which are the eggs, or nits, of the lice in the fall. They attach themselves to the bottom of individual strands of hair and are difficult to remove.
Treatment
Children need to be checked thoroughly for head lice, especially if lice have been found in your child's classroom or daycare. Use disposable gloves to pull the hair apart in small sections under bright light or full sun and look for both eggs, or nits, and moving lice. If lice are found, over-the-counter medications are available, such as permethrin or pyrethin. These medications often kill lice in one treatment. You can try a nit comb to remove eggs. If necessary, you can get a prescription from your doctor.
Prevention/Solution
When children start school in the fall, precautions can be taken to prevent the spread of lice, including not sharing personal items, such as brushes, combs and hats. Check your child's school policy regarding lice---many times, infected children are not allowed to return until the lice have been treated successfully. If you find lice or nits on your child, treat the infestation immediately to prevent further spreading.
Complications
Because lice are usually killed quickly if treated properly, the complications that can arise are secondary, such as an infection from scratching. Antihistamines can reduce the itching, but if your child develops red, tender skin from scratching, it could be the sign of an infection. Contact your health care professional if your child shows signs of infection.
