Pediculosis ~ Facts About Lice
Please notify the school nurse by phone or email IMMEDIATELY if you think your child might have lice. Please don't feel embarrassed. It is surprisingly common but spreads only when secrecy prevents a cure. Your school nurse REALLY needs to know. All health information and conversations are kept strictly confidential. ~Ellen Murphy, R.N. (508) 763-2049 X2019
"Head lice (pediculosis capitus) are small parasitic insects that live on the scalp and neck hairs of their human hosts. The presence of lice is most often detected through the presence of adult lice or nits (eggs) attached to the hair shaft of the host, most often at the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Complications of infestations are rare and involve secondary bacterial skin infection (Lebwohl, Clark & Levitt, 2007). Pruritis (itching) is the most common symptom of a lice infestation, along with the following additional symptoms:
Read more from the National Assoc of School Nurses (NASN) "Position Statement" HERE
Learn more: Powerpoint and more from 2013-2014 is on this page.
"Head lice (pediculosis capitus) are small parasitic insects that live on the scalp and neck hairs of their human hosts. The presence of lice is most often detected through the presence of adult lice or nits (eggs) attached to the hair shaft of the host, most often at the nape of the neck and behind the ears. Complications of infestations are rare and involve secondary bacterial skin infection (Lebwohl, Clark & Levitt, 2007). Pruritis (itching) is the most common symptom of a lice infestation, along with the following additional symptoms:
- a tickling feeling or a sensation of something moving in the hair;
- irritability and sleeplessness; and
- sores on the head caused by scratching. Sores caused by scratching can sometimes become infected with bacteria normally found on a person’s skin (CDC, 2010)"
- lice can spread when kids share Bike Helmets, Batting Helmets, and more.
Read more from the National Assoc of School Nurses (NASN) "Position Statement" HERE
Learn more: Powerpoint and more from 2013-2014 is on this page.