Lice and scabies are seemingly the most unconditionally loving critters around! They don't care about social class or gender, and aren't picky about age. The cleaner you are, the more these little critters are attracted to you, but they'll cozy up to even those that don't find showers as enjoyable.
With their free-loving nature, it's nearly impossible for your school not to see several cases pop up within the student body each year. And depending on your school's policy, you may have several outbreaks throughout the school year. Below are some facts about both lice and scabies that may help you decide the best policy for your school to establish.
Head Lice
Head lice are a very common problem for kids ages 3 to 12. Lice aren't a serious concern—they won't spread infection—but they are annoying, and can be bothersome to rid of.
Nits (lice eggs) are what is most commonly found on the scalp. Looking like small yellow or tan/brown dots attached to the hair follicle, they're typically close to the scalp line.
Some schools allow students to return to class with nits, but some parents will argue there is no telling when nits will hatch and that this doesn't resolve the issue. However, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses discourage such policies. Most medical professional feel as long as proper treatments have been taken, children can return to their normal routines and activities.
For a lice treatment overview, click here.
Lice don't live for long after falling off a human body. Taking drastic measures to clean classroom closets, rugs, and other areas isn't necessary. However, for daycares and rooms that have nap time with blankets and pillows, these should be washed in very hot, 130-degree water and dried in a dyer on hot for at least 20 minutes to prevent passing along these nasty little mites to others.
What kids should know about preventing lice
- Tell children to avoid head-to-head contact with others, both at home and at school
- In sporting activities, discourage sharing helmets, hats, and towels
- Tell kids not to share combs, hairbrushes, hats, scarves, bandanas, ribbons, barrettes, hair ties, towels, or other personal items
- If your school offers a drama program or make believe closet for younger students, have children bring in their own supplies and discourage sharing
Scabies
Scabies isn't as common as lice, but once a child comes into contact with these mites, they are just as bothersome to rid of—if not worse.
Scabies is a very itchy skin condition caused by the Human Itch mite (also known as the Scabies Mite) that burrows into the skin to lay eggs. These, just as lice, have no preference to the person they take up residence on, but should be taken more seriously.
Scabies mites are not visible to the human eye. Symptoms of these mites are a reddish rash, usually in the folds of the arms, legs, and belly, but can appear anywhere. This rash is extremely itchy and may continue for several weeks after treatment. At night the scratching intensifies, and can cause open sores. Open sores should be treated with medication.
For a scabies treatment overview, click here.
These mites are extremely contagious. Any contact with a person with scabies puts you at risk. In addition to medical treatments, all sheets, towels, and clothing must be boiled or at least washed in hot water. Any articles that can be cleaned should be kept in plastic bags for at least a week.
Children should be able to return to class after the final treatment. This can be anywhere from eight hours to a full week depending the medication prescribed.
What kids should know about preventing scabies:
- The same guidelines should be followed for preventing scabies as for preventing lice
- In addition, wash all chairs, tables, and floors. Vacuum rugs and carpets as well
- Anyone who has direct contact with someone with scabies—teachers, staff, and other students—should be treated
