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- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Chickenpox
- Colic
- Common Cold
- Constipation
- Cough
- Croup
- Diaper Rash
- Diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Eye Infections
- Fever in Children
- Fifth Disease
- Fluoride
- Head Injuries
- Head Lice
- Immunizations
- Lead Poisonings
- Lyme Disease
- Nosebleeds
- Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac
- Poisonings
- Scabies
- Sensitive Skin or Eczema
- Sore Throat/Strep Throat
- Thrush
- Vomiting
Caring for Children: Head Lice
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitus) are a type of insect that infect humans and lay little round, silver eggs, called nits, at the root or base of scalp hairs. Outbreaks occur frequently in schools and daycares. Head lice spread from one person to another either through direct contact or from personal items such as combs, brushes, pillows, hats or other head coverings.
Lice are difficult to see, but symptoms can include severe or persistent itching of the scalp or neck. Nits may be seen attached to the hair, often behind the ears and the back of the neck. In severe cases, children may have swollen lymph glands in the neck or underarms.
Treatment for lice is a medicated shampoo or crème rinse. Call the pediatrician's office for advice. Parents should be aware that medications to kill lice are potentially dangerous insecticides, and should be used only according to package instructions.
- Wash hair in sink rather than shower to minimize body contact with the shampoo or crème rinse chemicals.
- Rinse thoroughly. A vinegar rinse of one ounce vinegar to eight ounces of warm water helps to loosen the nits.
- Comb with a fine-toothed comb or nit comb. Combing with warm vinegar also helps to get rid of nits.
- Examine and treat all affected family members at the same time. Nursing mothers and children under two years should be treated only by a physician's recommendation.
- After treatment, clean all clothing, towels, and bed linen that may have been used in the past three days. Machine wash in hot water, and dry in hot dryer for 20 minutes. Non-washable items may be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or dry cleaned.
- Vacuum carpets, mattresses, pillows, and furniture.
- Disinfect combs, brushes and other hair items with the medicated shampoo.
- Check daily for nits. If there is evidence of a new infestation within seven to ten days, it may be necessary to repeat treatment.
