A child brought lice from school — what should you do? - briefly
Inspect the scalp, comb out nits with a fine-toothed comb, and treat with an FDA‑approved pediculicide as directed; simultaneously launder clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them for two weeks. Inform the school so they can screen other students and halt further transmission.
A child brought lice from school — what should you do? - in detail
When a child returns home with head‑lice acquired at school, immediate action limits spread and eases treatment.
First, verify the infestation. Examine the scalp closely, using a fine‑tooth comb on wet hair. Look for live insects, brown‑colored nits attached within ¼ inch of the hair shaft, or a crawling sensation. If any are found, proceed with a treatment plan.
Treatment steps
- Choose an approved pediculicide (permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin‑based shampoo) or a prescription option (malathion, ivermectin). Follow the product’s instructions exactly; typically, apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended time, then rinse.
- After the first application, wait 7–10 days before a second treatment to kill newly hatched nits that survived the initial dose.
- Comb the hair with a fine‑tooth lice comb every 2–3 days for two weeks, removing live insects and eggs. Clean the comb with hot, soapy water after each use.
- Wash all recently worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to capture any stray lice or nits.
Communication and prevention
- Notify the school’s health office promptly. Provide the date of the child’s return and the treatment method used. This allows the school to inform other parents and consider a classroom check.
- Examine siblings and close contacts; treat anyone who shows signs of infestation, even if asymptomatic.
- Advise the child to avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, or headgear until the infestation is cleared.
- Encourage regular head checks, especially after school or group activities, to catch any recurrence early.
Follow‑up
- Re‑inspect the child’s scalp 1 week after the second treatment. Absence of live lice and nits confirms success.
- If lice persist after two full treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative medication or a different therapeutic approach.
By confirming the problem, applying a proven treatment regimen, sanitizing the environment, and coordinating with the school, the infestation can be eliminated efficiently and future occurrences minimized.