UNL Head Lice Removal

Summary

This informative script provides a comprehensive guide on understanding and managing head lice infestations. It explains how lice are a common issue affecting people of all ages, offering insights into their life cycle, symptoms, and methods for removal. The script emphasizes the importance of using a lice comb and other practical measures to eliminate lice and nits, while also discussing preventive steps to reduce the risk of reinfestation. Parents are encouraged to be vigilant, conduct regular checks, and ensure proper hygiene and care to manage the problem effectively, particularly in environments like schools and daycare centers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Head lice infestations affect people of all ages and income levels, and the problem is getting worse.
• 😀 Head lice are one of the oldest pests known to humans, dating back to ancient Egypt and before the birth of Christ.
• 😀 The head lice infestation rate in the U.S. has risen dramatically from 3 million cases in 1974 to over 12 million today.
• 😀 Adult lice are small, tan or grey insects, approximately 1/8 to 1/10 inch in length, with six legs that allow them to grip hair.
• 😀 Lice can’t fly or jump but can walk at a rate of 9 inches per minute and feed exclusively on human blood.
• 😀 Female lice can lay up to five eggs (nits) per day, which are cemented to hair shafts and hatch in about 10 days.
• 😀 Lice resistance to chemicals is increasing, making combing one of the safest and most effective treatments for head lice.
• 😀 The process of combing involves using a fine metal lice comb to carefully remove lice and nits from the scalp and hair.
• 😀 After combing, it’s essential to wash the child’s hair with shampoo, inspect it again for any missed lice or nits, and clean all materials thoroughly.
• 😀 Prevention includes regular inspection of the child’s hair, avoiding shared combs or hats, and keeping children's belongings like sleeping mats isolated to reduce exposure.

Q & A

What are head lice, and how are they transmitted?

Head lice are small, parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They are transmitted through close contact, especially when people share combs, hats, or other personal items.

How prevalent are head lice infestations today?

There are currently over 12 million cases of head lice in the United States. The infestation rate has been increasing over the years, with 3 million cases reported in 1974 and 6 million in 1976.

What is the typical size and appearance of head lice?

Adult head lice are about 1/8 to 1/10 of an inch long and are tan or grey in color. Immature lice look similar but are even smaller.

How do head lice feed, and what are their life cycle stages?

Head lice feed on human blood by piercing the scalp and sucking blood. Female lice lay up to five eggs (nits) a day, which hatch in about 10 days. The louse reaches maturity in 9 days, and the cycle continues.

What is the most effective way to remove head lice and nits?

The most effective method is using a fine metal comb designed specifically for lice removal. The process involves combing through the hair to remove live lice and nits, along with using insecticidal shampoos as an additional step.

How should one prepare for the lice combing process?

Before combing, apply salad or olive oil to the hair to prevent tangling and drying out. Brush the hair to remove snarls, then section it off for easier lice detection and combing.

What should you do if lice or nits are found while combing?

When lice or nits are found, dunk the comb in soapy water, check for remaining debris, and continue combing. Pin the section of hair away from the head and move on to the next part.

What steps should be taken after the lice combing process is finished?

After combing, shampoo the child's hair twice to remove oil, and inspect for any missed nits or lice. Clean all combing materials by soaking them in ammonia and hot water, then scrub the comb with an old toothbrush.

How can one prevent lice reinfestation?

Preventing reinfestation involves routine hair checks, especially after school or daycare reports infestations. Avoid sharing personal items like combs, hats, or coats, and wash towels, linens, and clothes in hot water.

What is the 'no nit' policy in schools and daycare centers, and why is it implemented?

The 'no nit' policy prohibits children from attending school or daycare if they have lice eggs (nits) in their hair. This policy aims to reduce the transmission of lice in communal environments.