To Your Health: Head Lice

WSIL TV
October 18, 2007

Schools and day care centers in Southern Illinois are letting parents know about head lice. The pests are very common, especially in children between three and twelve years old.

They're tiny little bugs, but head lice can cause big problems for families. Robin Koehl with the Franklin Williamson Bi County Health Department says the parasites live on the human scalp and pose no serious health risks, but there is a nasty stigma associated with them.

Robin Koehl says, "We want people to know this is not shameful or embarrassing. It's a part of our culture. We need to learn as parents how to prevent it."

Koehl says the best way to prevent a lice infestation is to do a daily head check on children. If that's not possible, she says try it every other day.

Koehl says, "That way if a child has been exposed and infested, and you can find it early, you may not even have to use the shampoo. It's possible to find them and remove them before an infestation takes place."

Treatment usually involves an over the counter shampoo. In some cases, doctors may prescribe a more powerful shampoo. Koehl warns whether it's over the counter or a prescription, follow the directions on the label and don't use the shampoo as a preventative. It may take 24 to 48 hours to kill the lice.

"After the shampoo is applied, parents need to wait. The shampoo does not need to be reapplied for seven to ten days and only if there are still live nits or bugs present on the scalp."

Koehl says. Then comes the process of nit picking. A comb can help in the process.

Other Tips:

• Don't shave a child's head. Koehl says that just adds to the shame associated with head lice.
• Also, put toys and stuffed animals in a plastic bag for up to two weeks.
• Wash bedding and clothing daily in hot water.
• And vacuum furniture and carpet daily, then dispose of the bag.

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