There are lice in schoolchildren — what to do? - briefly
Inspect the child, remove all nits with a fine‑tooth comb, and apply an approved pediculicide; then wash bedding, clothing, and personal items at ≥60 °C and notify the school to implement coordinated prevention and monitoring.
There are lice in schoolchildren — what to do? - in detail
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) frequently affect children attending school. Infestation is recognizable by itching, visible nits attached to hair shafts near the scalp, and occasionally live insects.
When an infestation is discovered, the caregiver should isolate the child from close contact, perform a thorough head examination with a fine‑tooth comb, and begin treatment without delay.
Effective chemical treatments include over‑the‑counter products containing 1 % permethrin or pyrethrins, applied to dry hair, left on for the recommended period, then rinsed. A second application 7–10 days later eliminates newly hatched lice. Prescription options such as 0.5 % malathion or oral ivermectin are reserved for resistant cases and require medical supervision.
Non‑chemical measures complement medication:
- Wet combing with a nit comb every 2–3 days for two weeks
- Washing clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or sealing them in a plastic bag for 48 hours
- Vacuuming upholstered furniture and car seats
- Cleaning hair accessories with hot water or alcohol
Schools typically require notification of the nurse or administration, exclusion of the affected child until treatment is completed, and routine cleaning of shared items. Policies may differ, but most districts follow the same exclusion timeline of 24 hours after the first application of an approved treatment.
Preventive practices reduce recurrence:
- Weekly head checks by parents or teachers
- Prohibiting sharing of combs, hats, scarves, helmets, and headphones
- Educating children about avoiding head‑to‑head contact during play
- Maintaining short, well‑kept hair where feasible
Prompt identification, proper treatment, and coordinated school response together limit the spread of head lice among pupils.