Children have returned to school and are bringing home stories about the things they learned and the friends they made. But some parents are concerned they could also be bringing home a tiny nuisance — lice. Though schools are not the only place transmission occurs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says head lice infestations in the U.S. are most common among preschool and elementary-age children. Since the middle of August when students began returning to school, more people have searched Google for information about the blood-sucking parasites and are seeking answers to common questions about how to prevent and treat infestations, according to Google Trends. The CDC estimates there are up to 12 million head lice infestations annually in the U.S. infecting children between 3 to 11 years old. Experts say there is a lot of misinformation about lice. Here are the experts’ answers to commonly asked questions: How do you know if your child has lice? Head lice are parasitic insects that feed on human blood, but they are difficult to find because they are very small, move quickly and avoid light. The hallmark symptom that indicates there might be an infestation is new and onset itching of the scalp, said Dr. Danilo C. Del Campo, a dermatologist in Chicago and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. The eggs, commonly called nits, can be yellow, brown or tan and look like tiny seeds, but when hatched will appear clear, experts say. An infestation can often be confused with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Becky Boudreau, a head lice technician in New Hampshire, says because lice are most active at night, parents may notice their children scratching more then or not sleeping well. She said it may take longer to recognize a lice infestation in children who have a high pain tolerance or are less reactive to insect bites. There is no set number of lice that would classify as an infestation, either you have lice, or you don’t, experts say. What are my treatment options? Treatments to get rid of the insects include medication and specialists who use different methods to manually remove the eggs and adult lice. Depending on the age and temperament of the child, access to clinics or technicians, the cost and the severity of the infestation, including any sensitivities, will determine the most appropriate treatment option. Many people hire nit pickers or visit clinics because they don’t want to handle the insects, Boudreau said. “It is still successful, but it is time consuming,” said Boudreau, who became a head lice technician about six years ago after her child had an infestation. Dr. Krista Lauer, national medical director for Lice Clinics of America, says their clinics have become another option. They use an FDA-cleared medical device that uses a combination of airflow temperature, speed and direction to kill lice and their eggs. Technicians consider children’s heat sensitivity or restlessness, but for the treatment to be successful, they must use the device in a specific pattern before combing out the dead debris and using a washable topical substance, she said. Boudreau, who uses shampoo, olive oil and a special comb to assist in combing out the insects, says many of the over-the-counter kits “are designed to fail” and often require multiple uses for this reason. Guidelines from […]  | Read More The Yeshiva World