Whenever the word “lice” is mentioned in conversation, it usually invokes a shuddering response from people and then they start to itch just thinking about it. That’s exactly what happened recently when Alton Church of God Pastor Tim Hamm uttered the word.

Hamm was speaking about Operation Sting, a yearly event held at the church that provides free backpacks and school supplies to local kids in preparation for the new school year. In years past, the event included free haircuts for the kids who wanted one.

“One thing about the haircuts, we’re not doing them this year because there has been a general outbreak of lice in our community,” said Hamm. “I’ve had several of our hairstylists communicate that to me and to some of our workers. We just don’t feel like there is any way we can do that without embarrassing them or singling them out. For whatever reason, one of our hairstylists said that it has seemed to come on people that maybe you wouldn’t think would have lice,” he added.

Hamm said he hopes to bring back the free haircuts for next year’s Operation Sting.

Having head lice is not a sign that a person is dirty or that they have poor hygiene. It is a problem for kids of all ages and socioeconomic levels, no matter how often they do or don’t wash their hair or bathe.

Nursing Director Cindy Morgan from the Florida Department of Health-Lafayette County stated by phone that she was not aware of a lice outbreak in the county because it is not a reportable disease.

“It’s just a nuisance,” she said.

Lice. What is it?

Head lice, in case you are not familiar with the pesky vermin, are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that live among human hairs and feed on tiny amounts of blood drawn from the scalp. It is a common problem, especially for children. Lice are contagious, annoying, and oftentimes hard to get rid of. It should be noted that lice, while frustrating to deal with, are not dangerous and they don’t spread disease, although their bites can make the scalp itchy and irritated, and scratching can lead to infection. Medical professionals say it is best to treat head lice quickly because they can spread easily from person to person.

Signs of Head Lice

Although they’re tiny, lice can be seen by the naked eye. Lice eggs (nits) look like tiny yellow, tan or brown dots before they hatch. They their lay nits on hair shafts close to the scalp, where the temperature is ideal to keep them warm until they hatch. Nits may look a lot like dandruff, however, they can’t be removed simply by brushing the hair or shaking them off.

The eggs hatch within 1 to 2 weeks after they’re laid and the remaining shell looks white or clear and stays firmly attached to the hair shaft. That is when it’s easiest to spot them, as the hair is growing longer and the egg shell is moving away from the scalp.

The adult louse (singular) is no bigger than a sesame seed and is grayish-white or tan in color. Nymphs are smaller and become adult lice about 1 to 2 weeks after they hatch. Most lice feed on blood several times a day, but they can survive up to two days off the scalp.

Of course, with the bites comes the itching and scratching, which is a reaction to the saliva of the lice. Depending on one’s level of sensitivity, the itching might not begin immediately. Sometimes it takes weeks before the urge to scratch becomes noticeable.

Excessive scratching can lead to a bacterial infection that can cause swollen lymph glands and red, tender skin that might crust or ooze. Your family physician may decide to treat the infection with an oral antibiotic. Not everyone will exhibit the classic symptoms and some people may have no symptoms at all. It depends on the individual.

Lice are highly contagious and can spread quickly from person to person, especially in group settings (like schools, childcare centers, slumber parties, sports activities, and camps). They don’t fly or jump. They have claws that allow them to crawl and latch onto the hair shaft. They spread mainly through head-to-head contact, but if you share clothing, bed linens, combs, brushes and hats, they can be easily passed from one person to another.

It should be noted that family pets cannot pass lice on to a person or vice versa.

Treatment

There are several over-the-counter or prescription medications available to get rid of head lice, but the directions for use must be followed precisely. It is recommended to contact your doctor, especially if the affected child is two years old or younger. After treatment you can use a fine-tooth comb to completely remove the residue. For heavy infestations the treatment may need to be repeated a week later.

Preventing re-infestation

Wash bed linens and clothing in hot water and dry them on the hot cycle of your dryer for at least 20 minutes.

Dry-clean anything that can’t be washed (such as stuffed animals), or put them in airtight bags for at least three days.

Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture (in your home or car) and throw away the vacuum cleaner bag.

Soak hair-care items, such as combs, barrettes, hair ties, headbands and brushes in rubbing alcohol or medicated shampoo for one hour. You also can wash them in hot water or throw them away.

Because lice are easily passed from person to person in the same house, bedmates and infested family members also will need treatment to prevent the lice from coming back.

Helpful tips

Avoid head-to-head contact at school (gym, playground, during sports) and while playing at home with other children.

Don’t share combs, brushes, hats, scarves, bandanas, ribbons, barrettes, hair ties, towels, helmets, or other personal care items with anyone.

Don’t lie on bedding, pillows and carpets that have recently been used by someone with lice.

Remember, having lice can be embarrassing, but anyone can get them, and children must understand that they haven’t done anything wrong and they’re not dirty. Getting rid of head lice can be frustrating, but as long as you are patient and follow the treatments, as well as work to prevent re-infestation, head lice will someday be just a distant memory from childhood.