From the Nurse's Desk

Unexpected visitors called lice

If you visit cabins, camps or swim clubs on summer vacation, you might come home with memories and photos. You could also come home with unexpected visitors called lice.

Lice are itchy and annoying. Having lice does not mean you are dirty or unhealthy. You do need to know how to get rid of them. If lice are in your hair, your parents can buy a special shampoo at the drugstore. After your hair is treated, it should be combed carefully to remove any lice eggs called nits. Nits look like tiny white bumps on each hair. Comb a few strands at a time with a fine-tooth comb for a long time.

All your bed sheets, blankets, towels, brushes and hats need to be washed. Put things that can't be washed (like stuffed animals) in plastic bags for 10 days. Vacuum your rugs.

Stay home from school until your hair is treated. Then have the school nurse check your hair. If there are still lice, do everything one more time, especially the combing.

Activity
Have your parents check your head for lice.

Last revised: June 4, 2007 (dh)

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All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.