How to Handle Head Lice in Oregon Schools
Head lice, or pediculus capitis, are very small insects that live on the human scalp. Outbreaks of head lice are common in childcare establishments such as nurseries and schools, especially as it is more difficult to prevent younger children from having head-to-head contact or sharing belongings. The Oregon Disease-Related School, Childcare and Work Restrictions state that the local school authorities may decide whether to restrict children with head lice from attending school. Schools can prevent an outbreak of lice providing parents with information on how to detect and treat head lice, and ensuring shared items in the classroom are regularly cleaned.
Instructions
-
How To Identify and Detect Head Lice
-
1
Ensure all teachers know how to identify head lice. They are a whitish-gray colour, but turn reddish brown after feeding on blood from the scalp. They regularly lay clusters of eggs, called nits, on the roots of hair, which appear yellowish-white in colour. The young are almost translucent in color until they have had their first meal, when they turn red. These small insects are fast moving but cannot jump or fly.
-
2
Know the symptoms of infestation. The most common symptom is an itchy head. Tiny red bite marks may also be visible around the hair line, and head lice may be visible behind the child's ear, or on the nape of their neck.
-
-
3
Display pictures of head lice and nits so parents and teachers can recognize them. State that head lice can change colour, so may appear darker on dark hair, and be almost invisible on blond hair.
Treating Head Lice
-
4
Wash hair using a shampoo without conditioner or a shampoo specially formulated for treating head lice. Head lice removal shampoos contain strong insecticides, so follow the instructions carefully.
-
5
Divide hair into small sections, and comb through using a head lice comb. Remove any lice or eggs from the comb by wiping the comb with paper towels, or running water over the comb.
-
6
Repeat combing each section until all the hair has been carefully combed.
-
7
Dry hair as normal, and repeat the lice-removal process frequently. Head lice reproduce fast, so the comb through the hair at least once a day, preferably twice.
Preventing Headlice
-
8
Determine the local school authorities' current ruling on lice infestation. Portland, Beaverton and Salem-Keizer schools do not allow children with live lice into the classroom. Children who only have lice eggs are allowed in the classroom. North Clackamas do not allow children to return to the classroom until they are completely free from head lice.
-
9
Regularly soak items that come into contact with children's hair. This includes blankets, hats, caps, ear muffs, scarves, stuffed toys and rugs. Anything which cannot be washed in a washing machine should be soaked in hot water and laundry detergent for a minimum of 10 minutes.
-
10
Vacuum the classroom floor and any furniture such as sofas regularly. Lice can live in upholstery for short amounts of time while waiting for another host.
-
11
Ask parents to regularly check their children's hair and to report any cases of head lice to their class teacher. Recommend that children attend school with their hair tied up, to reduce chances of the children spreading head lice.
-
12
Produce a leaflet which tells parents how to detect and remove head lice. Include contact information for the school nurse or local health practitioner for further information, and invite parents to discuss the problem with their class teacher if they need help.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If normal head lice removal shampoos are not working, stronger formulas are available by prescription.
Encourage teachers and teaching assistants to regularly check their hair, and to keep it tied up as much as possible to avoid infestation.
