September is National Head Lice Prevention Month!
Head Lice...What Parents Need to Know
Back to school is an excellent time to educate parents, children, and the community about head lice (Pediculosis). Lice happens. The Bemis PTO is providing the following information to assist parents in learning more about head lice and how you can become actively involved in identifying head lice before sending your child to school. It is highly encouraged that all students are checked PRIOR to the first day of school for head lice and on a regular basis.
1. View this presentation for an overview of Headlice and how you can identify, prevent, and treat head lice.
2. View the following videos for detailed instructions on how to check for head lice.
"How to Perform a Headcheck for Head Lice"
"School Nurses Talk Head Lice"
3. Identification: Keep in mind that head lice are highly contagious and are cause by a louse that is about 1/8" long. The eggs, or nits, are smooth, plump, and grayish-white in color and are often barely visible. They are usually attached to the hair shaft. Newly laid eggs will be found 1/4" from the scalp. Some of the current strains of head lice have become resistant to some over-the counter treatments. Please check with your pediatrician with regard to the most effective treatment.
4. Symptoms: Please watch your child for excessive scratching and check for nits in the hair, especially around the nape of the neck, the crown of the head, and behind the ears. The nits are attached to the hair strands and, unlike dandruff, are very difficult to remove.
5. Prevention: Please remind children that lice can be spread if they share hats, hairbrushes, combs or other hair accessories. It is also very important to wash bedding, thoroughly clean upholstered furniture and carpet.
FAQ's
What if I find lice?
Don't Panic :-) ! If you identify nits or louse on your child, you must advise the school office. Any child contracting pediculosis will be excluded from school until proper treatment has been given and nits have been removed.
Where can I get more information?
Contact the school 248.823. 4100 or the health department 248.424.7000 if you have any questions.
How can I help with lice checks?
Bemis volunteers conducts school wide lice checks on the first day of school, after breaks, and as needed for outbreaks. If you would like to volunteer, please contact PTO Vice - President/ Room Parent Coordinator Cijay Avery at club77cj@msn.com.
Your participation will make a difference !
References and Resources
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Final_Michigan_Head_Lice_Manual_106828_7.pdf
http://www.nasn.org/ToolsResources/HeadLicePediculosisCapitis/HeadfirstLiceLessons
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