How to fight lice in school? - briefly
Implement routine screenings, promptly isolate and treat affected students, and disinfect classrooms, personal belongings, and shared equipment while providing parents with clear guidance on effective lice removal and preventive measures.
How to fight lice in school? - in detail
Detecting an outbreak early prevents extensive spread. Conduct routine visual inspections of students’ hair, focusing on the nape and behind the ears. Use a fine-toothed comb on damp hair; a single live nymph confirms infestation. Record findings in a confidential log to track patterns and identify affected classrooms.
Implement preventive measures consistently. Require that children’s hair be tied back or kept short where feasible, reducing the chance of lice moving between heads. Encourage daily personal hygiene, but note that cleanliness alone does not eliminate parasites. Provide each classroom with a spare comb and a small bottle of lice‑deterrent spray approved by health authorities.
Administer treatment promptly after confirmation. Recommended options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Apply according to the label, repeat after seven days to kill newly hatched nits.
- Prescription‑only lotions with 0.5 % malathion for resistant cases; follow medical guidance strictly.
- Mechanical removal using a fine‑toothed comb after wetting hair with conditioner; repeat every two to three days for two weeks.
Post‑treatment protocol demands thorough cleaning of personal items. Wash clothing, bedding, and hats in hot water (minimum 130 °F) and dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum classroom floors, chairs, and upholstery; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Communicate clearly with families. Send a concise notice outlining the detection date, treatment steps, and home‑care instructions. Offer a school‑based information session on recognizing signs and applying products safely. Maintain confidentiality; avoid naming individual students.
Establish a school policy that defines responsibilities. Assign a designated staff member to oversee inspections, coordinate treatment distribution, and monitor compliance. Review the policy annually, incorporating updates from public health guidelines.
By integrating systematic screening, immediate therapeutic action, rigorous environmental sanitation, and transparent parental outreach, schools can control head‑lice incidents efficiently and minimize disruption to education.