January 1997

What You Should Know About... Head Lice in the Child Care Setting Head lice are tiny insects that live primarily on the head and scalp. They should not be confused with body lice, which may be found in clothing and bedding as well as on the body, or crab lice that infest the pubic area. They are found only on humans and should not be confused with fleas, which may be found on dogs, cats, and other pets. Although small, adult head lice may be seen with the naked eye. Because lice move rapidly and only a few may be present, using a hand lens or magnifying glass may allow them to be seen more easily. Head lice suck blood, and the rash caused by their feeding activities may be more noticeable than the insects themselves. Head lice attach their eggs at the base of a hair shaft. These eggs, or nits, appear as tiny white or dark ovals and are especially noticeable on the back of the neck and around the ears. Adult head lice cannot survive for more than 48 hours apart from the human host. Head lice are primarily spread through direct head to head contact, altumans for more than a few days, many persons recommend washing clothes (including hats and scarves) and bedding in very hot water, and vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture in rooms used by person infested with these insects. Combs and hair brushes may be soaked in hot (65øC) water for at least one hour. Flea bombs and other environmental insecticides are not effective against head lice. January 1997