Some kids may be bringing something else home along with their textbooks and homework—a case of head lice.
Having head lice is almost a right-of-passage for school-aged children; as social interaction grows, the likelihood of lice transmission does, too. Children who are found to have lice are generally sent home to avoid spreading the bugs to other kids, but infestations are never dangerous, nor are they a sign of dirty hair or poor hygiene. Adults are just as likely to get lice, especially if a child in the house has them.
The good news is that preventing head lice isn't difficult, and if a few bugs do get in, treatment is simple, too.
Being a Nitpicker
Lice are tiny insects that hook into the hair and feed on blood from the scalp. They may cause a little scalp itching in some cases, but generally cause no other symptoms. The insects can really only be seen upon close inspection of the scalp.
If lice are suspected, a parent or school nurse may perform a head inspection, where a fine-toothed comb is raked across slightly wet hair. After each swipe, the comb is checked for signs of the insect.
Sometimes, the comb will pull some pieces of hair that have a tiny, grayish egg hanging off the side. Very often confused for dandruff, this tiny egg, called a nit, can only hatch if located very close to the scalp. Adult lice, grayish-white insects, the size of a sesame seed, are more likely to be found in a case of head lice. The Centers for Disease control recommends that you...
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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