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Any time of the year, but especially with the advent of the hat and glove season, the periodic problem of head lice seems to increase. Lice is spread through close contact, like sharing hats, combs, or physical contact in play.  They are very small and appear in the scalp as a tiny flake. If your child is infected with Pediculosis, he will probably need treatment with special shampoo and combs. If you believe your child has Pediculosis, we strongly recommend that you contact your family health provider for advice and treatment. 

The following are preventative steps you can take:

• Caution children not to use anyone else's hairbrush or comb.
• Remind children not to borrow anyone else's clothing, especially hats and scarves. 
• Check your child periodically by doing the following: Watch for unusual itching and scrating, and examine hair by parting and fanning in one inch sections making sure the light is focused directly on the area being checked, as the nits will reflect light. 

If you have any questions, please contact your child's school nurse. 

For more information about head lice, visit these sites:

http://www.headlice.org/
The national head lice organization, offering frequently asked questions, prevention, and treatment. 

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice.html
This site is from the Harvard School of Public Health and offers common questions and solutions to head lice. 

http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/phtm/PHTM/hlice/hlinfo1.htm
Offers pictures on how to detect head lice, some common treatments, and answers to other frequently asked questions.

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