Head Lice

All about the pesky little bugs and how to properly get rid of them

Erin Bluth, BSN, RN

School Nurse

Sollars Elementary School

Jennifer Green, BSN, RN

School Nurse

Edgren Middle/High School

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Objectives

• Bust Myths and Social Stigmas
• List common modes of head lice transmission
• Properly identify lice and nits
• Identify effective treatment methods
• Discuss implications for the school setting
• Review current DoDEA protocol and guidance

Why are we talking about this?

Head lice are annoying and costly!

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Myth Busting: Head Lice and Social Stigmas

• Poor hygiene is not an indicator of possible infestation
• Head lice are not associated with the spread of disease
• Household pets and other animals are not carriers for human head lice (Fleas are another story for another time and equally frustrating for our furry family members!)
• They cannot fly or jump. They run and climb quickly through dry hair
• Transmission through combs, hats, bedding, etc. is possible but not as common as head-to-head contact
• Head lice can affect all ages. (YAY! –- Insert sarcasm here)

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How to diagnose Pediculosis (aka head lice)

Caution: Pictures may cause sympathy itching and/or goosebumps

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What do head lice look like?

Nits? Or other hair substance?

Identification techniques

• Strong light
• Magnifying Glass
• Fine tooth comb
• Wet hair if possible to slow down the runners
• Clear tape to trap adult lice and nymphs

Getting rid of Lice

Multipronged Approach

• Pediculicides
• Kill adults & nymphs
• Mechanical Removal
• Nits
• Environmental measures
• Repeat in 7-10 days

Unconventional approach

• Oil-based treatments thought to suffocate, slow down, or repel lice
• Olive oil, mayonnaise, coconut oil
• Essential oils: Tea tree, lavender, ylang ylang
• Unreliable data to support effectiveness

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Considerations for Schools

How does this affect us?

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Evidence-Based Practice

No longer recommended

• Classroom checks
• Mass notification of head lice cases in school or classrooms
• No-nit policies

Currently recommended

• Individual checks as needed
• No more missed class time
• Parental choice of head lice treatment

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Resources

• Choosing head lice and nit treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved May 04, 2017, from http://www.which.co.uk/reviews/head-lice-and-nits/article/treating-head-lice-and-nits/choosing-head-lice-and-nit-treatments
• Devore, C. D., MD, FAAP, & Schutze, G. E., MD, FAAP. (may 2015). Head lice. American Academy of Pediatrics, 135(5), E1356-E1365. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-0746
• Head Lice Information for Schools. (2015, September 02). Retrieved May 04, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/schools.html

Resources

• How to get rid of lice , nits and dandruff . (2014, October 06). Retrieved May 04, 2017, from https://farihafarhanaahmed.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/how-to-get-rid-of-lice-nits-and-dandruff/
• Mazurek, C. M., & Lee, N. P. (2000, May). How to manage head lice. Retrieved May 04, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1070891/
• Roth, E. (2016, August 04). What Do Lice Look Like? Retrieved May 04, 2017, from http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/what-do-head-lice-look-like#3

Questions?