FOH - August 2019 (posted September 6, 2019)
Lice is not Nice
It’s almost time for our kids to head back to school. They’ll be hanging out with friends, playing sports… and may encounter head lice. Every parent’s worst nightmare! Good news, the Langlade County Health Department has some tips to help prevent and treat infestations. Please refer to the information below.
Lice are tiny insects that live on the human scalp. They do not jump, they are spread by direct contact.
They do not spread disease, they are considered a nuisance.
They do not discriminate between types of hair or whether it is freshly washed or dirty.
Lice hatch from small, oval shaped eggs called “nits”, which are firmly attached to strands of hair. Viable nits are near the scalp, whereas empty or non-viable nits are further down the hair shaft.
If household members have lice, the home needs to be thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed, and clothing and bedding need to be put in the dryer for 20 minutes on the highest setting. Items that cannot be washed can be bagged up for two weeks or put outside overnight if the temperature is below freezing.
The health department has a 22 day treatment plan that involves treating with lice shampoo and following with olive oil. This plan can be especially helpful for heavy infestations and sensitive scalps (for this treatment calendar, please call our department).
Comb, comb, and comb some more to remove nits!
There has been some success with using tea tree oil in the hair and on the scalp to prevent infections.
The best way to prevent infestation is to discourage sharing of headphones, brushes, hats, helmets, etc. Also advise against activities that involve head to head contact such as “selfies” and close hugging.
The Langlade County Health Department provides lice checks and information on how to tackle these pests, so feel free to call at 715-627-6250 or stop by our office!