Head Lice - Salem County

Board of Chosen Freeholders
SALEM COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
98 Market Street
Salem, New Jersey 08079-1995
Head Lice
(PUBLIC HANDOUT)
What are Head Lice?
Head Lice are parasitic insects which spend their life cycle in human hair feeding off the
person’s blood. They are smaller than 1/8 inch in length. They are grayish white and
wingless with claws used to cling to hair shafts.
What is a Nit?
A nit is the egg of the head louse which is glued by the mother to the base of the hair
shaft. A female can lay 50-150 eggs in a three- four week period.
Where Can Head Lice Be Found?
Head Lice are most commonly found on the scalp above and behind the ears and near the
neck. They have also been found on facial hair, eyebrows and eyelashes of people.
Who Gets Head Lice?
Head Lice are found worldwide. In the US, Head Lice are most common among
preschool & elementary school children as well as the homes of the infested children. An
estimated 6 – 12 million infestations occur each year among children aged 3- 11 years
old.
How is Head Lice Spread?
Head Lice is spread by direct head to head contact with someone who has an infestation
of Head Lice. Contact through clothing (hats, scarves, hair accessories) or personal items
(hair brush, combs, bedding) is uncommon. Personal hygiene and environment
cleanliness are not factors in Head Lice infestation. Dogs and cats do not play a role in
the spread of human lice.
How Long Can Head Lice Live Away from the Head?
Head Lice cannot live more than 48 hours with a feeding, therefore once off the head,
they will not survive long. Very few nits will hatch once removed from the head and will
die soon after without a feeding.
What Are the Symptoms of a Head Lice Infestation (Pediculosis)?
The most common is itching or a tickling feeling of something moving on the scalp.
There can also be irritability and difficulty sleeping because of the movement. Sores and
infection may also develop as a result of scratching.
856-935-7510
856-358-3857
FAX 856-339-0029

Board of Chosen Freeholders
SALEM COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
98 Market Street
Salem, New Jersey 08079-1995
Head Lice
(PUBLIC HANDOUT)
How is Head Lice Diagnosed?
Detection of nits or adult lice through an examination of the scalp is the only way to
confirm a Head Lice infestation. Because adults are very fast and avoid sunlight
observing nits close to the scalp is the most common way to confirm. Using a magnifying
glass or a fine tooth comb can be helpful to find adults. Nits can often be confused with
other things found in the hair such as hair product and dandruff.
What is the Treatment for Head Lice Infestation?
Head Lice infestation can be treated with an over-the-counter or prescription shampoo,
lotion or cream rinse. Treatment failures are common so it is very important to follow the
directions carefully. There is no guarantee that any treatment is going to completely kill
all the eggs, so rechecking the scalp thoroughly every 2-3 days after treatment is
important. Using a nit comb, tweezers, or flea combs and vinegar can help to remove the
nits. This may take many hours over a few days but it is important to remove them all to
prevent re-infestation. If active lice are seen 8-12 hours after treatment, consult with a
doctor for follow-up treatment. A second treatment is usually recommended to kill any
lice that may have hatched from eggs left behind.
*Please note: If your child is 2 years old or under, you should not use medicated lice
treatments. You'll need to remove the nits and lice by hand.
To remove lice and nits by hand:
� Work under a good light, such as the natural sunlight from sitting by a window or
going outdoors. A strong lamp can also be used. If eyesight is a problem, have a
magnifying glass on hand. Nits (lice eggs) are always oval-shaped, usually
grayish-white, although they can vary in color. Nits are generally laid close to the
scalp but can be found anywhere on the hair shaft. Unlike dandruff, which can be
removed easily, nits are attached firmly to the hair shaft.
� Divide the hair in sections and fasten off the hair that is not being worked on at
this time.
� Using a nit removal comb, go through the section of hair from the scalp to the end
of the hair. Use a paper towel to remove any lice, nits, or debris from the comb
between passings. If debris builds up, use an old toothbrush to clean the comb.
� If the lice comb does not remove the nits, then use your fingernails and pull nit
down the length of the hair to remove it.
� Go on to the next section of hair until all sections have been completed.
856-935-7510
856-358-3857
FAX 856-339-0029

Board of Chosen Freeholders
SALEM COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
98 Market Street
Salem, New Jersey 08079-1995
Head Lice
(PUBLIC HANDOUT)
What Can Be Done to Prevent the Spread of Head Lice at Home?
� All those in contact with the infested person should be checked thoroughly for
nits and active lice. This should be done simultaneously for family members they
have been in contact with.
� Family members should avoid sharing combs, brushes, towels and other personal
items just in case.
� Any stray lice or nits on clothing, towels, and bedding will be killed by machine
washing and drying at temperatures over 128 o F.
� Any items that cannot be put through the wash or dry cleaned can be sealed in a
plastic bag for two weeks to kill all lice and nits.
� Combs and brushes can be soaked for an hour in 2% Lysol solution or 120 o F for
10 minutes.
� Since lice to not live long off the head, insecticide spray is not necessary.
� Regular vacuuming will remove any stray lice or nits.
What Can Be Done to Prevent the Spread of Head Lice at School?
Elementary schools and preschools are primary head to head transmission sites for lice.
Schools should have established protocols for screening children, education of parents
and children, follow-up measures and clear admission and restriction policies in order to
prevent or control an outbreak. Many schools have a “no-nit” rule meaning a child is not
allowed back to school until there are no traces of nits or lice left on the scalp.
856-935-7510
856-358-3857
FAX 856-339-0029