Head Lice: Frequently Asked Questions

Did you know?

Head lice are small and wingless, varying in size from 1/16" to 1/8" (about the size of a sesame seed).
Eggs look like very small grains of rice and hatch in 7-10 days.
Lice feed on blood every 3-6 hours. The primary symptom of infestation is itching.
Eggs are firmly attached to the hair shaft.
Females can lay up to 10 eggs a day, over 100 in their lifetime.
If dislodged from the hair shaft and host, eggs die within 2 weeks.
Off the scalp, adult head lice rarely survive beyond 36 hours.
Head lice can infest anyone and prefer clean hair.
Head lice are more of a nuisance than a health hazard.
Head lice do not fly or jump. They are passed through direct contact.
You cannot give head lice to your pets or get it from your pets.
The National Pediculosis Association estimates that as many as 12 million cases of lice occur each year.
Lice move quickly and shy away from light (such as during a head check).

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How will I know if my child has head lice?
The telltale sign is an itchy head. Scratching the itch could lead to sores on the scalp or around the neck and ears. Severe cases may cause swollen lymph glands. Other signs may include eggs and, in some cases, live lice in the hair, frequent head scratching, loss of sleep, shortened attention span and depression.

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Will my whole family get lice too?
Not necessarily. If members of your family don’t share personal items, and if proper cleanup measures are taken, the infestation shouldn’t spread. But, it has been known to happen!

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Is there anything I can do to keep my family free of lice?
Even after an infested family member has been treated, for the next 10 days, check them daily for eggs. If there is evidence of new eggs or newly hatched lice, repeat the treatment. Head checking should then become part of routine hygiene. A family head lice check once a week is a great idea. You’ll need an egg removal comb, a magnifying glass and lots of light. Working through a small section at a time, comb through each person’s hair, from the root down. If any live lice or eggs are found, begin treatment immediately.

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What is a "No-Nits" Policy?
A “No-Nits” Policy in schools helps control an infestation and keeps children at home until all nits are removed. This policy is just to make sure that a child has been treated, that all lice have been killed, that all of their eggs or nits have been removed and that there is no sign of a reinfestation.

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So, what's the best way to get rid of lice?
If your child becomes infested, choose a safe and proven pediculicide. Follow all the directions carefully. A good comb-out conditioner is also a great way to help ease egg removal. Thoroughly combing out the hair until all lice and eggs are gone will help prevent reinfestation.

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Should I ask my pharmacist or school health official for advice?
Of course! They’re familiar with the treatments and products currently on the shelves and will give you reliable recommendations.

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What about allergic reactions?
Treatments that are pyrethrum or permethrin based may trigger reactions in those who are allergic to ragweed. Be sure to check the ingredients or talk to a doctor or pharmacist before choosing a treatment.

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I’ve used a pediculicide and we still have lice. Help!
There are several reasons lice may remain unaffected after treatment. With any pediculicide, all lice and eggs must come in full contact with the product. Lice can move quickly to avoid contact with the lotion or gel. Reinfestation from environmental contact (i.e. infested hats, pillows, stuffed animals, etc.) can occur. Missing any eggs after combing out can trigger a reinfestation.

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Aren’t there home remedies that will kill lice?
There are many home remedies out there that, for the most part, simply don’t work and can be dangerous. Gasoline or kerosene is dangerous because of the possibility of ignition and inhalation of fumes. Methods using tea tree oil, olive oil, petroleum jelly, margarine or mayonnaise are messy, time-consuming and inconvenient. Head shaving is unnecessary and would probably upset your child. As for garden insecticide sprays, they are very dangerous for your family, including your family pets.

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How can I prevent a reinfestation?

Learn what the signs are so that you can catch an infestation early and treat it.
Even if all lice and eggs appear to be gone, follow through with the second treatment.
Keep in touch with your child’s school so that you’ll know if a lice outbreak occurs.
Teach your child to avoid sharing personal items with friends at school.
Periodically check your entire family’s hair for lice and eggs.

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