Lice
Just because your kiddo got lice does not mean that they are dirty or unkempt, and it is not because they have a certain color of hair, no matter what grandma tells you. Kids get lice because kids are gross and spread gross things to each other all the time. This is why we have regular checks for lice in most classroom settings. Lice sort of just sneak up on families because they don’t really cause that much of a nuisance for kids most of the time. It takes a lot of lice to become noticeable in Johnny’s hair and even more to make it itchy. The mainstay of treatment for lice is a combination of physical removal with a special comb (wet combing) and a topical medicine/shampoo with an anti-lice medicine that is repeated usually a second time a week later to get rid of any stragglers. This is such a common problem that there are even clinics/barber shops that specialize in getting rid of lice in kids.
If we have a kiddo with resistant/persistent lice, we will sometimes use an oral medicine to fully treat these tough-to-get-rid-of lice.
So in summary, kids get lice, they are relatively easy to treat, and it does not mean you have the stinky kid in class. Just maybe ask them to not share hats with all their friends in school.
Quick Tips for Lice Care:
Remove all clothing worn before and during lice removal treatment. Place the worn clothing in the laundry to be washed and dried on high temperature. Do not wear any clothing that has NOT been washed and worn since before treatment (including pajamas). Replace all used bedding and towels prior to treatment and wash and dry
Studies have shown that lice cannot live without a human host for longer than 48 hours. Therefore, you don’t need to wash clothing that has not been worn during this time. If clothing has NOT been worn within two days, then it does not need laundering.
If you have any doubts you can place the items in a drier for 20 minutes. Lice are very temperature sensitive and will quickly die in a dry environment. All items that cannot be laundered, but need to be worn, can be dried fora minimum of 20 minutes on high heat (backpacks, gym bags, baseball hats).
You don’t need to throw away hair accessories. Gather all hair ties, combs, and brushes in the house and remove any stray hairs. Put all hair accessories in a plastic bag and place in the freezer overnight. They will be ready for use in the morning.
Wash and dry all bedding including pillowcases. Place throw blankets and comforters in the dryer for 20 minutes on high. You do not need to vacuum beds or sofas because lice cannot burrow. Leather couches can be wiped and fabricated furniture can simply be covered with an oversized sheet for 2-3 days. Lice will die/suffocate underneath the sheets. Car seats can be coverd with beach towels. Unless you or your children routinely rub your had on the carpet, it is not necessary to treat or vacuum the carpet.
Do not forget to treat the items you child sleeps with, including blankets, dolls, or stuffed animals which can be put aside for 2-3 days or placed in the dryer for 20 minutes. Another common re-infestation site is the dress up box. Put the box aside for 2-3 days, or place the box’s items in the dryer for 20 minutes.