The head louse is a parasitic insect that can be found on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes of people.  Head lice feed on human blood several time a day and live close to the human scalp.  Head lice are a fairly common problem, especially in preschool and elementary school children. 

 

If you beleive your child has head lice, you should examine your child's head, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, for nits and lice if your child exhibits symptoms (primarily itching) of a head lice infestation. If nits or lice are found, all household members should be examined for nits and lice every 2-3 days. Persons with live (crawling) lice or nits within 1/4 inch or less of the scalp should be treated.

 

To eliminate head lice successfully, it is very important that all treatment instructions and steps are carefully followed and completed.  For treatment instructions or more information please see visit links listed on this page.

 

If your child has an active lice infestation, you should notify parents of your child’s playmates, as well as your child's school or child care facility, so that steps can be made to prevent further spread.

 

“No-nits” policies that require a child to be free of nits before they can return to school or a child-care facility are not recommended. Children should be permitted to return to school or child-care after appropriate treatment is started. Head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease.