Head Lice Prevention Month

Since 1985, healthcare organizations have informed communities about head lice symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention for National Pediculosis Prevention Month, also known as Head Lice Prevention Month.

Although reliable data isn’t available on this condition, pediculosis (head lice infestation) is fairly common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately six to 12 million infestations affect children between the ages of three to 11 each year. Adults can also develop infestations through contact with both children and other adults.

Head lice typically spread through contact with the hair of an infested person, though it can also occur when people share clothes or lay on furniture after an infested person has recently used them. Lice typically remain on a person’s scalp; however, in rare instances, they may move to the eyelashes or eyebrows.

Signs of pediculosis include the feeling of something moving through the hair, itching, the development of sores on the scalp, and difficulty sleeping due to the increased activity of head lice in the dark. A diagnosis is generally made when live head lice are found on the scalp.

You can prevent the spread of head lice by teaching your child to avoid sharing clothes or supplies, using furniture recently used by an infested person, or coming into head-to-head contact with friends or classmates. It’s also helpful to encourage them to regularly comb their hair. You can keep yourself free of head lice by following these recommendations, as well.

If an infestation has already developed, lice removal kits are a non-chemical solution for combing lice out of an infested person’s hair. Several over-the-counter and prescription lice removal shampoos, creams, lotions, and drugs are also available.

If you or your child need a diagnosis or treatment for head lice, schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

They’re Baaaack! How to Prevent and Treat Head Lice

For parents of preschool and elementary school aged children, going back to school can sometimes result in your child bringing home some new friends:  head lice.

Head lice, which can’t jump or fly, are transmitted by direct physical contact with the hair of an infested person, feeding on blood and attaching their eggs to the base of hair shafts. Head lice do not spread disease, and getting head lice is not related to the cleanliness of your child or your home.

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Contact can occur among children during play at school or sporting activities or by sharing hats, scarves, combs or brushes.  Some studies suggest that girls get head lice more often than boys, probably due to more frequent head-to-head contact. Infestation with head lice is much less common among African-Americans than among persons of other races.

Permethrin is an over-the-counter treatment used to treat lice. Recently, 25 states, including New York and New Jersey, have reported head lice that don’t respond to permethrin, but don’t be discouraged.  The good news is that prescription medications that don’t contain permethrin are still effective including benzyl alcohol, ivermectin, malathion, spinosad, and lindane shampoo. Prescriptions might be pricier, but will save you money in the long run.

Treatment for head lice is recommended for all household members and all should be treated at the same time. Hats, scarves, pillow cases, bedding, clothing, and towels worn or used by the infested person in the 2-day period just before treatment should be machine washed and dried using the hot water and hot air cycles. Lice and their eggs are killed within five minutes of exposure to temperatures greater than 53.5°C (128.3°F). Items that cannot be laundered may be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuuming furniture and floors can remove an infested person’s hairs that might have viable nits (louse eggs) attached.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.