Head Lice Common in School-Age Children

Once your child is back in school, make sure you add an important step to his or her regular hygiene routine - checking for head lice and nits.

"Head lice can spread quickly," says Dr. Moise Levy, chief of dermatology at Texas Children's Hospital. "You may notice a rash or red spots at the back of the neck or your child may scratch his or her head a lot."

Getting rid of head lice takes time and patience. Wash your child's hair with an anti-louse shampoo or rinse. Be sure to protect your child's eyes and follow all instructions.

Vacuum your child's room. Wash in hot water the bedding and any clothes your child may have worn recently. Dry them in a dryer.

Check all family members for lice and have them use the anti-louse shampoo or rinse on their hair, combs and hair brushes. Do not share hair items or hats.

Notify your child's school or others who may have been in close contact with your child. Call your child's physician if problems persist or worsen.

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/08_01_00-bus.html