The only 100% effective treatment for lice is the complete removal of all nits. Children will be checked on arrival to school after being absent due to lice and will be sent home if hair has not been adequately treated. This is necessary to prevent the spread of lice to large numbers of children. Students should be reminded not to share combs, brushes, headbands, barrettes, caps or hats, and coats or jackets. It is recommended that parents check students regularly for the presence of lice and/or nits.

Facts About Head Lice

Many people associate lice with uncleanness or poor personal hygiene, but this is not true in the case of head lice. Although these insects cannot hop, jump, or fly, they are transmitted via head to head contact or the sharing of hats, combs, brushes, barrettes, etc. of an infested child. Please help us prevent head lice at DeKalb County Schools by examining your child's head on a regular basis.
Lice are insects approximately 1/8" long and grayish black in color. They are often difficult to see. They lay eggs (nits) on the hair shaft. The nits look like tiny white flecks which cling to the hair (unlike dandruff) and can cause intense itching. Lice survive by biting the scalp causing red marks on the back of the neck or scalp.
A lice infestation should not be a source of embarrassment to either parent or child since lice can infest anyone. The important thing is to treat your child promptly and correctly.
Follow these rules if you suspect your child has this condition:

• Purchase a high quality lice-killing shampoo at your local retailer. No prescription is needed; however, persistent cases may require a prescription shampoo from your M.D. is recommended.
• Shampoo your child's head following label directions on the package. Keep shampoo out of the child's eyes.
• After shampooing, comb child's hair with a fine-tooth comb (usually in package) to remove all nits. Metal combs work better purchased at pharmacies.
• Inspect child's hair for nits daily for one week and regularly thereafter. Repeat shampoo treatment according to package directions.
• Wash in hot water or dry clean your child's recently worn clothing and bedding. Vacuum furniture and carpets.
• Instruct child not to wear playmates' clothes, hats or other garments or to use someone else's comb or hairbrush.
• All children returning to school after being treated for head lice must be accompanied by the family and checked by school personnel for clearance to return to class. Do not send student on the bus until child has been cleared to return to class.
• As a matter of courtesy, please inform the parents of your child's friends so that they can check the heads of their children.