Lice

(Texas Education Code, Section 38.031)

Prevention and Treatment of Head Lice

Typical Symptoms include:

  • Persistent itching of the scalp

  • Sores on the head caused by itching

  • Nits (eggs) near root of hair concentrated behind ears and at nape of neck

  • Live lice noted on scalp

Treatment:
We recommend you consult with a licensed medical provider for treatment if you suspect someone in your household has head lice. Should you decide to use an over-the-counter treatment, the CDC recommends you select an FDA approved product since most home remedies have not been proven to be safe or effective. You should follow manufacturer’s instructions strictly and treat all household members suspected to have live lice. Retreat according to product instructions (usually 7-10 days) and consider nit removal to decrease the chances of recurrence.

Helpful Hints:

  • If the person with live lice has very long hair (longer than shoulder length), it may be necessary to use a second bottle.

  • Pay special attention to instructions on the label:

    1. How long the medication should be left on the hair and how it should be washed out.

    2. When to re–wash the hair after the lice medicine is removed

    3. When to retreat (usually 7-10 days)

  • Comb dead and any remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine–toothed nit comb.

  • If, after 8–12 hours of treatment, no dead lice are found, do not retreat until speaking with your healthcare provider. A different treatment may be necessary.

  • Nit (head lice egg) combs, often found in lice medicine packages, should be used to comb nits and lice from the hair shaft.

  • After each treatment, checking the hair and combing with a nit comb to remove nits and lice every 2–3 days may decrease the chance of recurrence.

  • Continue to check for 2–3 weeks to be sure all lice and nits are gone. (CDC: Adult lice can live up to 30 days on a person’s head.)

  • Retreatment is meant to kill any surviving hatched lice before they produce new eggs.

Returning To School:

  • Students absent for more than 48 hours will be considered truant.

  • Students may return to class, provided they have received proper treatment.

  • Your child will be readmitted to school once elimination of live lice has been confirmed by the school nurse or designated school personnel. 

Resources:

  1. About Head Lice

  2. Lice Prevention

  3. Lice Treatment

  4. AAP Update 

  5. Department of State Health Services

  6. National Association of School Nurses

  7. Headfirst Lice Lessons