Head Lice
"The bane of many parents, the head louse is a tiny wingless parasitic insect that lives among human hairs and feeds on extremely small amounts of blood drawn from the scalp. Although they may sound gross, lice (the plural of louse) are a very common problem, especially for kids ages 3 years to 12 years" (from KidsHealth). Head lice do not carry disease nor does their presence indicate that a child is dirty.
Head lice are spread from one person to another by physical contact or by shared personal articles such as combs, brushes, hats, scarves or hair ribbons, towels, sleeping bags, and pillows. It is important that children be instructed not to use the personal articles of others and not to share personal articles. Here are some reminders:
Head lice are spread from one person to another by physical contact or by shared personal articles such as combs, brushes, hats, scarves or hair ribbons, towels, sleeping bags, and pillows. It is important that children be instructed not to use the personal articles of others and not to share personal articles. Here are some reminders:
- Avoid head-to-head contact during play.
- Do not share COMBS, BRUSHES, TOWELS, CLOTHING, HATS, HAIR ORNAMENTS or HEADPHONES.
- Do not share sleeping mats, sleeping bags, or bedding.
- Use separate storage areas (lockers or cubbies) for clothing and other personal items.
- Do not lie on bedding, couches, pillows, or carpets that have recently been in contact with a person with head lice.
- Prevent a lice breakout. Check all household members weekly. Make it a part of regular grooming habits.
Helpful links for more information:
KidsHealth page on head lice
Alameda County Head Lice Treatment Instructions
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Information from Orinda Union School District in pdf format:
KidsHealth page on head lice
Alameda County Head Lice Treatment Instructions
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Information from Orinda Union School District in pdf format:
