Head lice are tiny blood-sucking insects brushes, hats, scarves, earphones, and these at the same time so that no that live on the human head. Infestations pillows can spread lice. Head lice do not unrecognized cases remain untreated. of head lice are common in children and fly or jump; they only crawl. The When further spread occurs, people often often spread in schools. Efforts to control environment is NOT an important source think that the lice are resistant to head lice can cause frustration for both of infection. Thus, disinfection of furniture, treatment. However, what often occurs is parents and school officials. Repeated such as chairs and sofas, is not "ping-pong transmission" from treatments can become expensive. A necessary. Treating your surroundings or unrecognized cases. Resistance to better understanding of head lice environment is not helpful to control head treatment does happen, but should be infestation helps to control the problem. lice. Head lice infestation is not a sign of considered only after other reasons for uncleanliness and is not controlled by failure of control have been ruled out. The insect baths or regular shampoo. All socioeconomic groups are affected. Some of the pediculicides (treatments) can Head lice (Pediculus humanus Capitis) be bought only with a doctor's prescription, can only infest humans. They do not infest Head lice do not carry any diseases, but while others can be bought without a dogs or cats, and pet lice do not infest constant scratching may lead to scalp prescription. Most over-the-counter humans. The adults are less than inch infection. products contain pyrethrin (Rid®, XXX®, long and are grayish-white wingless A-200 Pyranate®), a natural insecticide. insects with three pairs of legs. Like Recognizing head lice These and Lindane (Kwell®), a mosquitoes, they bite to obtain blood prescription drug, kill adult lice but do not meals and can cause scalp itching. Adult Itching is the most common symptom. kill all the nits. Therefore, a second lice live for about three to four weeks. Suspect head lice when a person treatment is needed about 7-10 days after Adult lice and their eggs are found among scratches his or her hair frequently. In mild the first treatment, to kill the lice born from the hair, especially behind the ears and on cases, there may be no symptoms. surviving nits. Nix®, a synthetic the back of the neck. Recognition of head lice requires careful permethrin, has the advantage of scalp examination of all persons in contact attaching to the hair and remaining active The eggs, called nits, are cemented to the with someone who has head lice. It is for about two weeks, killing newly hatched base of the hair shaft. Nits hatch after important to receive training from a school nits. However, because its activity is not about one week, usually before they are or health department nurse before 100%, treating again may be necessary. inch from the scalp. It is very rare to find checking for head lice. Other drugs, including some taken by living unhatched nits beyond inch from the mouth, may become licensed in the future scalp. Therefore, although most schools A common sign of head lice is a red or for the treatment of head lice. Treatment have a 'no nit' policy, the living nits, those irritated scalp, especially around the ears with agents that smother head lice are close to the scalp, are really the only ones or back of the neck. Adult head lice may also effective. These consist of application of concern. However, parents need to be difficult to locate. Therefore, checking of petroleum jelly (Vaseline®), mineral or follow the head lice policies of the school for nits is the most reliable way to find olive oil, or even mayonnaise. The where their children are enrolled. infestations. person's head should be covered with a shower cap overnight. If dealing with a Head lice die quickly when away from their Treatment and other control measures young child, treatment can be perfomed human host. during the day using a shower cap. The best strategy to control head lice is to How are head lice spread? combine a) treatment of recognized cases Do not use products for controlling animal with b) detection and treatment of fleas and ticks on children. This can be Head lice are spread mostly by direct infestation among persons in contact with very harmful. Do not over treat beyond head-to-head contact. Less commonly, these cases (parents, brothers and sisters, instructions on the product being used or sharing objects such as hair combs, playmates). It is important to do both of beyond the directions of your doctor. Overexposure to chemicals is not healthy.

Following a treatment, nits can be Need More information? removed using a special fine-toothed comb. Metal combs may give better Contact your local health department results. Several solutions may help loosen the nits from the hairs (vinegar diluted in Or the half with water, or hair conditioner). After the first and second treatments on days 1 NC Department of Environment and 7, daily use of ordinary shampoos and Natural Resources followed by use of a conditioner or cream Division of Environmental Health rinse and wet combing for 14 days also are recommended. Public Health Pest Management Section (919) 733-6407 Head-to-head contact between children should be discouraged during outbreaks, Or the and children should be made aware of this. NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Sharing of personal items (combs, Health Communicable Disease brushes) that may spread lice should be Branch (919) 733-3419 avoided, and outerwear (hats, coats, scarves) should be stored separately for each child.

Bedding, hats, scarves, and other clothing of persons being treated should be machine-washed in hot water and machine-dried using the hot cycle. Combs and brushes should be washed with a pediculicide solution or soaked in very hot State of North Carolina Department of water (about 130 degrees F for 5 minutes) Environment and Natural Resources to kill lice and eggs. Clothes that cannot be washed can be disinfected by dry Department of Health and Human Services cleaning. Items that may be contaminated A. Dennis McBride, MD, MPH, also can be sealed in a plastic bag for 10- State Health Director 14 days to kill the lice. Remember that lice www.dhhs.state.nc.us soon die after leaving a human head. Simple vacuuming of carpets and furniture The NC Department of Health and Human Services will provide further control. Lice do not does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, infest rooms and, as stated above, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in environmental chemical decontamination employment of the provision of services. is not needed. Revised 6/2/06