It is appalling for any parent to discover head lice on their child. However, thankfully, with treatment, you can win the battle.

Head Lice only live on human beings and can spread quickly by using a hat, comb, brush, from an infected person or by simply being in close contact with someone with lice.

You will often see the following if your child has head lice:

	Nits (eggs) firmly attached to the hairs. Unlike dandruff, nits will not shake off. Nits are white in color and there are usually a lot of them.
	Lice - gray bugs about 1/16 of an inch long. They move very quickly and are difficult to see.
	The scalp itches and has a rash.
	The back of the neck is a favorite spot as well as the crown of the head.

STEP ONE

Kill the lice. Purchase anti-lice shampoo like NIX or RID. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer to the letter. The shampoo kills both the lice and the eggs or nits. (Caution-do not use this shampoo on yourself if you are pregnant. Consult your physician before using any chemicals on yourself during pregnancy.)

STEP TWO

Remove the Nits. This is the worst part. You must comb through every inch of hair with a very fine toothed comb. The comb is usually supplied with the shampoo. The only way to get the dead nits out is to slide them off each hair follicle. That is why you need the special comb. Lice on eyelashes should be treated with petroleum jelly applied to the lashes twice a day for 8 days. Lice will not survive these conditions.

STEP THREE

Clean the house. Lice cannot live for more than 72 hours off the human body. Your child's room should be vacuumed thoroughly. Combs, brushes, and hair ornaments should be soaked for 1 hour in a solution made from the anti-lice shampoo. Wash sheets, blankets, pillows cases, stuffed animals and other items that have come in contact with your child in hot soapy water. Anything that cannot be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag for 3 weeks. (Nits can survive up to 3 weeks).

STEP FOUR

Check everyone in the household. Everyone in the household should be checked and rechecked for head lice. Anyone with a head rash or itching should be treated as well. Once your child has been treated and all the nits have been removed, your child will be allowed to return to school.

Call your doctor if:

	Itching interferes with sleep.
	The rash has not cleared up within 1 week of treatment.
	The rash clears and returns.
	New eggs appear in the hair.
	The sores begin to spread or look infected.
	You suspect you have head lice and are pregnant.

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