A child discovered lice at school: what should be done? - briefly
«Inspect the child’s scalp, confirm infestation, and initiate treatment with an approved pediculicide while informing parents and school staff.»
«Clean personal items, launder bedding at high temperature, and advise classmates to perform similar checks to prevent spread.»
A child discovered lice at school: what should be done? - in detail
When a pupil encounters head‑lice at school, immediate, coordinated action reduces spread and restores health.
First, verification. The child should be examined by a qualified health professional or trained school nurse to confirm the presence of Pediculus humanus capitis. If infestation is confirmed, the following steps are essential.
- Notification of parents or guardians – school administration must inform the family promptly, providing clear instructions on treatment options and the necessity of completing the full regimen.
- Treatment initiation – recommended products include 1 % permethrin shampoo or dimethicone‑based lotion, applied according to label directions. All household members should be checked; secondary cases require simultaneous treatment.
- Environmental decontamination – wash clothing, bedding, and personal items used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Non‑washable items may be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray nits.
- Follow‑up examination – schedule a re‑inspection 7–10 days after initial treatment to ensure eradication. Persistent nits necessitate a second treatment cycle.
- Preventive education – conduct brief classroom sessions on avoiding head‑to‑head contact, discouraging sharing of hats, hair accessories, and personal grooming tools. Provide written guidelines for families.
- School policy enforcement – enforce “no‑nit” policies that allow a child to return once treatment is completed and no live lice are detected. Record incidents in a confidential log to monitor trends.
Continuous communication between school health staff, parents, and healthcare providers sustains vigilance and minimizes recurrence.