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NORTHCOTE LODGE NIT STATEMENT
Infestation of head lice is widespread. It most commonly occurs in children, but also affects adults. Head louse infestations can be intensely irritating and, if left untreated, can lead to skin infections as a result of scratching.
School Responsibility
To make regular inspections of pupils' heads
To provide information on prevention and treatment of head lice and nits
To inform families if a child has an infestation and to offer advice
To make children aware of their responsibilities with regard to hair care
If head lice are found in sufficient numbers to resist removal at school, the child's parent will be contacted to collect the child and give immediate treatment. The child will, in no way, be made to feel uncomfortable or guilty; but, in fairness to the school community, swift action is required to minimise spread to other children.
Parental Responsibility
To accept that this is a problem within a school population of 4-13 year olds
Actively to promote prevention techniques
To monitor their family's scalps; closely inspecting once a week or, if there is a class infestation, every day
Prevention
- Keep hair short
- Daily combing with an ordinary close-toothed comb. Sadly, this has become an out-dated habit, which may well account for the increase in head lice problems
- Weekly wet combing using conditioner and a nit detector comb (available in chemists)
- Use of natural oils to deter head lice. Verde and Dandelion (Northcote Rd) sell natural products that are growing in popularity
INSECTICIDES SHOULD NEVER BE USED FOR PREVENTION
TREATMENT TECHNIQUES
Either
CHEMICAL (recommended if infestation is heavy and is safe to use unless a child has eczema of the scalp, in which case a doctor should be consulted about treatment.)
(recommended if infestation is heavy and is safe to use unless a child has eczema of the scalp, in which case a doctor should be consulted about treatment.)- Treat with an insecticide lotion, which kills the lice and live eggs within hours. The spirit based lotions eg Full Marks are more effective than water based eg Lyclear. The lotion is best left on overnight.
- The following morning, wash hair with ordinary shampoo. Apply conditioner and, using a nit comb, remove all lice corpses and egg shells from scalp, working in sections from scalp to hair tips, wiping off debris and rinsing comb between each combing action.
- Inform class teacher in the prep diary that you have detected and treated lice.
- Continue inspection and nit combing every 2 to 3 days for 14 days in case of any hardy live eggs which have survived and hatched.
- Pull any dead (white) egg cases from the hair shaft with your finger nails (an absorbing video and a strong light help the process!)
- Be aware of possible head to head contacts within the close friends and family circle and make them aware of the risk of infestation
Or
PHYSICAL (this does not involve the use of insecticides, but requires a much more rigorous regime of daily inspection and wet combing for at least 14 days and until no further head lice are detected).
(this does not involve the use of insecticides, but requires a much more rigorous regime of daily inspection and wet combing for at least 14 days and until no further head lice are detected).- Shampoo and condition hair and comb with a nit comb, working in sections (as in 2 above) The difference is that you will be removing live lice and eggs (nits) making it essential to wipe the comb clean at each stroke.
- Inform the class teacher in the prep diary that you have detected and commenced treatment of a head lice infestation and that you will ensure that the child will be free of newly hatched lice each morning before coming to school.
- Repeat the shampooing and wet combing daily.
- Remove any dead egg cases and inform close contacts (see 5 and 6 above)
Please note that eggs can hatch between 3 and 12 days after being laid. Hatched lice will lay more eggs, hence the need for continuous combing for 2 weeks.
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Registration Number: 4815265 Registered Address: 29B Sudbrooke Road, London, SW12 8TQ |