Attleboro Public Schools

ATTLEBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS Attleboro, Massachusetts

File: M-JLCCB-E

PEDICULOSIS: PARENT INFORMATION SHEET

If your child comes home with head lice, don't panic. Anyone can get head lice. Head lice are spread only by direct contact or sharing personal items (combs, brushes, head coverings, clothing, headphones, bedding, or towels). It has nothing to do with cleanliness or poor hygiene. The problem is easily managed, just follow the instructions below:

Treatment for presumed head louse infestations:

Nits (eggs) present:  Use a pediculicide shampoo according to package directions and manually remove the nits using a LiceMeister-type comb (which may be purchased at any local pharmacy)  Launder bedding, pajamas, towels, and clothing worn by the child(ren) during the last two days.  Check all household members and, if nits are found, treat as above.  Continue to check hair and comb out nits for the next 10 days or until they are all gone.

Live head lice present:  Use a pediculicide shampoo according to package directions.  Use a LiceMeister-type comb (which may be purchased at any local pharmacy) to thoroughly comb hair.  Launder bedding, pajamas, towels, and any clothing your child(ren) has worn over the last two days.  Examine the hair daily for the next ten days and use the LiceMeister-type comb to remove any remaining nits.  Check all household members, if live lice found, treat as above.  If live lice persist, a second application of the pediculicide may be needed seven-to- ten days after the first treatment and follow through with laundering and nit removal.

If live lice still persist after two treatments, you should consult your physician for a prescription-strength pediculicide shampoo.  Obtain, read, understand and follow label directions. DO NOT OVERTREAT.  Comb or manually remove remaining nits.  Launder bedding, pajamas, towels, and any clothing worn by the child(ren) over the last two days.  Continue to comb and remove nits over the next ten days.

For more information, please contact your child’s school nurse or refer to the website, http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice.html.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE APPROVED AS AMENDED – OCTOBER 22, 2007 Exhibit approved June 11, 2001, amended August 22, 2005