Lice in Children

Lice are microscopic insects that feed on small amounts of human blood. Only able to move by crawling, these parasitic insects present a special challenge to parents, especially if the children attend school or daycare.

Types

• Although three types of lice can infect people (head lice, body lice and pubic lice), the most common type of lice to infect children are head lice.

Misconceptions

• Contrary to the common belief that only dirty children get lice, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) states that any child can get head lice through head-to-head contact or by sharing other items such as towels with a person who is already infected.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a louse infestation include excessive itching and being able to see adult lice on the child's body or scalp, especially behind the ears or along the neck. Head lice also lay eggs (nits) on the shafts of a child's hair, which might appear similar to dandruff or tiny pieces of rice.

Treatment

• Although you can remove lice with a fine-toothed comb, the Mayo Clinic suggests that you try to rid your child's body of head lice by using over-the-counter lice shampoos containing either pyrethrin or permethrin. If this option doesn't work, talk to your child's doctor about available prescription treatments.

Prevention/Solution

• Minimize your child's chances of developing a louse infestation by encouraging her not to share hair tools and accessories such as brushes and combs, as well as other personal items such as hats, towels and pillows.