Spotting head lice

Head lice are parasitic wingless insects. They live on a person’s head and feed on blood. Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed, and the eggs, which are called nits, are even smaller and appear almost like dandruff flakes.

Preschool and elementary-age children and their families get head lice most often — girls more often than boys. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.

Because lice move very fast, they are not always easy to see. Here’s what to look for:

• Frequent scratching
  
• Small red bumps or sores on the scalp, neck, and shoulders
  
• Lice eggs, which look like tiny, oval-shaped white or clear dots

If someone in your family has head lice, be sure to check all family members. If you’re not sure how to do this, call your doctor for help. You can treat head lice with over-the-counter or prescription products. Shampoos and lotions that kill head lice contain pesticides and other chemicals. It is important to talk to your doctor before using these products, especially for pregnant and nursing women, or if you or your child has allergies or asthma. Do not use products with pesticides on or near a person’s eyes.

To fully get rid of lice, you’ll also need to do some things around the house:

• Wash all clothing and bed linens recently used by anyone with head lice. Use the hot water cycle for washing clothes and pick high heat for the dryer. Dry-clean clothing that is not washable.
  
• Store in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks anything that cannot be washed or dry cleaned (e.g., stuffed animals, comforters).
  
• Soak combs and brushes for one hour in rubbing alcohol.
  
• Vacuum the floor and furniture.
  
• Do not use fumigant sprays; they can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Source: National Institutes of Health (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/headlice.html and family doctor.org)