HEADS UP ON LICE

Soon after reading this insightful expose you will be scratching your head, not in wonderment of my philosophical contemplations, but because unwittingly you will be thinking about tiny rodents crawling and nesting on your scalp.  I know this because I have been discussing head lice with parents and co-workers and the reaction is always the same. Inevitably everyone in hearing distance gets the willies.

Lice are parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed off tiny amounts of blood sucked from the scalp. Head lice often lay eggs called “nits” which appear similar to dandruff, but unlike dandruff, maintain a firm grip on the hair shafts. Itchy yet?

Why, you ask, am I conversing about these varmints? Because, if lice have a season, this is it. Back at school, kids are congregating and co-mingling, working and playing with their heads close together. In spite of parents admonition to the contrary, they are sharing hoodies, hats and hair accessories. This is why fall seems to coincide with the outbreak of head lice. Outbreaks at the beginning of the school year are very common and this year is no exception, so lets get the facts straight and endeavor to rid ourselves of these omnipotent, maddening parasites.

First and foremost, don’t panic. If your child contracts lice, you do not need to replace your furniture, wash your entire wardrobe, cut off your hair or set your house on fire. Getting rid of the pesky buggers can be a nuisance, but they are not a health threat and children diagnosed with head lice do not need to be sent home early from school or miss numerous days of instruction. They can go home at the end of the day, be treated, and return to class after appropriate treatment has begun.

Once you know your child has lice, inform your school and friends to avoid further cross. Don’t concern yourself with what others might think or worry about ruining your reputation. Lice do no discriminate; they cross all socioeconomic boundaries and have nothing to do with hygiene. They do, however, prefer long hair so if your kids have lengthy locks, make sure to have it braided or in a ponytail at school. Also, regularly remind your kids not to share combs, brushes, hats or hoodies.

There are many over-the-counter treatments, prescription medications and homeopathic remedies available. Checking the hair and combing it with a nit comb every 2 to 3 days for at least a week or two is essential for all treatment solutions.

Youtube has many demonstrative videos on how to rid yourself and others of lice. If do-it-yourself is not appealing, there is Hair Fairies That specializes in lice removal. For more information, visit their website, www.hairfairies.com.

If you have questions about your school’s policies, ask your child’s teacher or an administrator. Because of the many misconceptions regarding head lice, it would be prudent for every school site to update and educate their staff and community members about the prevention of and treatments.

Contact Margaret Lavin at elementarydays@gmail.com.