September is head lice awareness month. As Bergen County children head back to school, it is important that parents are aware of the symptoms of head lice, as well as preventative measures and treatment options.
You should examine your child’s head, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, for crawling lice and nits if your child exhibits symptoms of a head lice infestation. If crawling lice or nits are found, all household members should be examined for crawling lice and nits every 2-3 days. Persons with live (crawling) lice or nits within ¼ inch or less of the scalp should be treated.
To eliminate head lice successfully, it is very important that all treatment instructions and steps be carefully followed and completed. Both over-the-counter and prescription products are available. You may wish to contact your doctor, pharmacist, or health department for additional information about which product they recommend.
Children diagnosed with live head lice do not need to be sent home early from school; they can go home at the end of the day, be treated, and return to class after appropriate treatment has begun.
Nits may persist after treatment, but successful treatment should kill crawling lice. Head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.
For more information about head lice, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Read more back-to-school advice for parents on mybergen.com.
