Head Lice - The Facts

The Mount Ephraim School District has a 'No Nit' policy, which means, that if your child has head lice, he/she must stay out of school until all nits are gone. 
Please notify your school nurse if you think your child may have head lice.

Lice are wingless insects that are about the size of a sesame seed.  They tend to adapt their color to their surroundings; brown or black lice are more often found on people with dark hair and skin, and gray-white lice tend to infest those with light hair and complexions.  Nits, or eggs, are silvery-white and shaped like tiny teardrops.  They are often found at the nape of the neck or behind the ears.  They stick firmly to the hair shaft, typically about 1/4 inch from the scalp.

Lice do not jump or fly, and they rarely survive off a human host more than a day.  Transmission of lice generally occurs with direct head-to-head contact, possibly with a close friend or sibling, through brushes, pillows, towels or hats, if shared immediately, and is more likely to occur in the home than in the school.

Head lice do not result from poor hygiene or dirty living conditions.  Head lice can not jump from person to person. 
Head lice do not carry disease.  Head lice do not breed in furniture.  Head lice do not prefer long hair.

It is possible to have head lice, and not have any symptoms.  If symptoms do occur, your child's head may itch. 
You may see red, hive-like bumps on the head.  Lice are active at night so your child may have trouble sleeping.

Always consult your physician before starting treatment with an over the counter product. 
It is very important to follow any instructions that are included with the product. 
After treatment, use a nit comb to remove dead lice and nits (eggs). 
This can be very tedious and time-consuming, but it is a necessary step in treatment. 
The child must be checked by the school nurse prior to re-admission to school.

The child's clothes, towels and bedding should be washed in hot water (130 degrees F) or dried on high heat.  The same can be done for toys, blankets, or items used in the child's hair (combs, brushes, hair clips).  Thorough vacuuming of rugs, furniture, and drapes is highly recommended.

Do not try to smother lice with mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, olive oil or mineral oil.