Kids & Lice: Schools React to New Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics surprised many parents this week, changing its recommendations to now allow children  with lice to stay in school.

Marblehead schools don't quite go that far, but are in line with some of the new policies, according to lead school nurse Anne Scott.

Head lice are tiny insects that live on people's scalps and hair. The lice hatch from small eggs, called nits, which are attached to hair near the scalp.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids with lice "should remain in class, but be discouraged from close direct head contact with others."

In Marblehead, when students are diagnosed with lice they are typically sent home and their parents are notified and advised about treatment.  Treatment is usually an over-the-counter medicated shampoo.

Students may return the next day, when they are checked again by the school nurse.  Even if they still have nits (which are harder to remove), they may return to class.

 "We do not have a no-nits policy," Scott said. "Once a child is treated they come back to school. The school nurses provide education and support to children and families."

Scott says head lice are a fact of life for school-aged children and are not a health hazard or sign of poor hygiene. "It's kind of like the common cold," she said.

"Our goal is to have a child be treated, feel comfortable and be ready to learn as soon as possible."

There are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting lice.  Scott says children should avoid sharing hats, combs and any hair accessories.

And according to the AAP, "Because head lice are usually transmitted by head‑to‑head contact, parents should carefully check a child's head before and after attending a sleepover or camp where children share sleeping quarters."

Lice do not jump or fly from head to head, so simply sitting next to someone with lice does not mean that you'll get them, too.

 If your child does get lice, the AAP has this advice:   "One percent permethrin lotion is recommended as initial treatment for most head lice infestations with a second application 7‑10 days after the first." 

 If that doesn't work, be sure to check with your pediatrician.

 For more information you can read the AAP study: Here