What to Do When Your Child's School Reports Head Lice

Nobody is going to be happy to see a note from the school saying there have been cases of head lice in their child's classroom. It's quite understandable to feel alarmed, but try not to panic as lice is very common and treatable. 

Head lice are rather widespread among children, and getting a notice of lice does not always indicate that your child is suffering from infestation. Here are a few easy steps you should take to identify and treat the infestation (if necessary). 

Don't Panic 

First off, it is important to note that lice are very common, particularly in elementary schools and daycares, where children interact a lot.  

“Notice for Lice” refers to an instance in which lice have been noticed. It is not necessarily an indicator that your child is infested with lice; rather, it serves as a reminder.  

Check Your Child’s Hair  

Examine your child’s scalp under good lighting conditions. 

Focus on the following areas: 

• Behind the ears  

• Around the neckline  

• The top of the head  

Check for signs of active lice, or tiny, oval-shaped eggs called nits stuck onto the hair. Nits can be distinguished from dandruff by their stringy attachment to the hair.  

Check the Rest of the Family  

If one child is infested with lice, it's wise to examine all other family members. Siblings and even parents can be infected due to head-to-head contact. 

Detecting lice early will make the treatment process much easier.  

Start Treatment if Needed  

If you spot live lice or nits, start treatment immediately. An OTC pesitcide free lice treatment product is ideal like the LiceGuard No-Nit Kit. 

Once you are done with the treatment, use a lice comb to remove any remaining nits. It is very important that you follow the directions carefully for each step of treatment. 

Clean the Essentials  

It is not necessary to thoroughly clean the whole house; however, cleaning some common areas and close contact items is ideal. 

Focus on: 

• Bed linens and pillowcases 

• Hat and Head Wearings 

• Brushes and Combs  

• Recently worn clothes  

Carpets, upholstery, and car seats should be vacuumed to remove stray hairs; however, note that lice cannot survive without a human host. 

Help Prevent Future Cases 

Although not all risks can be eliminated, a few easy-to-follow practices can reduce the risk of your child getting head lice.  

Children should be reminded to: 

• Stop sharing their hats, brushes, headphones, and hair accessories 

• Tie their hair back while at school or during sports activities (if applicable) 

• Inform adults if they have an itchy scalp 

A notification regarding head lice in school might be stressful for you as a parent. However, it gives you the opportunity to address the issue promptly. A timely check of your child's head, treatment, if necessary, and adopting preventive measures will help you avoid spreading the problem to your household members and getting lice free as quickly as possible.