Unwelcome guests!

The school has just sent you a notice advising you that a head lice outbreak has been reported. Oh joy, oh bliss! Read this article to find out everything you need to know about the spread, prevention and treatment of this dreaded plague.

• What are lice?
• How do lice spread?
• What are the symptoms of a lice infestation?
• Who is most at risk of getting head lice?
• How long can lice live on an object?
• Can a head lice infestation be prevented?
• What is the treatment for head lice?
• Must all members of the household be treated for head lice?

What are lice?

Head lice are tiny heat-seeking parasites that feed on blood. While their lifespan is relatively short (6 to 8 weeks), they reproduce at an astoundingly rapid rate. In fact, a female can lay 4 to 10 eggs per day for 3 to 4 weeks.

The female attaches her eggs, called nits, to the root of a hair. Nits are white and translucent, making them difficult to detect in blond hair.

How do lice spread?

Lice spread through direct head-to-head contact. While clothing, hairbrushes and other personal belongings (e.g. hats, combs, scarves, blankets, pillows) are not common pathways of transmission, they still should not be shared when lice are present.

Contrary to popular belief, lice do not jump or fly. They rather crawl and cling to the hair of their hosts with their hook-like claws.

What are the symptoms of a lice infestation

There are several symptoms that can indicate the presence of head lice, including:

• A red, itchy scalp, especially near the ears and nape of the neck;
• Eggs (nits) solidly attached to the root of the hair, less than a centimetre from the scalp.

Symptoms often appear one to two weeks after the infestation has occurred.

You can have head lice without presenting symptoms. That is why regular inspection of children’s hair is a must during the school year.

Who is most at risk of getting head lice?

Head lice infestations are more common in children, since schools and daycare centres are ideal places for transmission. That being said, adults too, can get head lice.

Head lice do not come from being dirty. Anyone can get them!

How long can lice live on an object?

Lice rarely live more than 36 hours on an object. They need a warm, moist environment to survive.

Can a head lice infestation be prevented?

Head lice outbreaks are very difficult to prevent. For that reason, you should always be keeping an eye out for them. During the school year, it is recommended that you:

• Carefully inspect your child’s scalp every day, especially the areas near the ears and the nape of the neck
• Closely monitor children with blond hair (nits are less visible, making detection more difficult)
• Wash bedding and clothes in hot water (60° C).

What is the treatment for head lice?

To eliminate head lice, simply follow these three steps.

Apply an anti-lice shampoo or rinse. (Repeat the complete treatment 7 to 10 days later. Contrary to what certain manufacturers claim about their products, the first treatment does not kill unhatched eggs.)

Use a lice comb (fine-tooth comb) or tweezers to remove all the nits. Here’s a tip: thirty minutes before combing hair, apply a moist towel over the scalp, as this makes nits easier to dislodge.

Wash, in hot water, all the objects that came into contact with the infected person. You do not need to do a major cleaning, however. When they are not on someone’s head, lice die within three days.

Must all members of the household be treated for head lice?

If your child has lice, the other members of your household risk getting them, as well. Everyone must be inspected and those infected with lice or live nits must all be treated at the same time.

Preventive treatments are useless and ineffective. Treat only the family members who have lice.

Pharmacy services

If you have questions about head lice and anti-lice treatments, talk to your pharmacist. He’s there to help!

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