Don’t pull your hair out over head lice

So-called “super-lice” are big news now, just in time for children to go back to school. While that news may be somewhat overblown, as any parent who has been through one will tell you, a lice infestation can be a time-consuming and worrisome health issue. One of the bigger concerns for parents is that if their child is diagnosed with lice, they will have to stay home from school or daycare, something that recent guidelines have stated is NOT the case. Here are six important facts about lice to keep in mind: Anyone can get lice. Lice are not related to cleanliness. Anyone can get lice if they are in prolonged, close contact with someone else with lice. Lice only infect people—not pets—and cannot hop or fly. They spread by crawling from one scalp to another scalp. It is very uncommon to get lice from hats or brushes or combs since they cannot survive off the scalp for more than 24 hours.   If your child has lice, she’s actually had them for a while. The characteristic itch on the scalp, back of the neck or behind the ears is an allergic reaction to lice saliva. It often takes three to four weeks for that reaction to start.   Regular scalp checks are the best way to help keep lice away. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, here’s how to check your child for lice: Check your child in a brightly lit room. Part the hair and check your child’s scalp. You are trying to find either crawling lice or eggs (called nits) on the h...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: All posts Health & wellness Dr. Susan Laster lice Source Type: news