from American Academy of Pediatrics
The angst caused by head lice may
be unnecessary. Head lice are
common among school-aged children
but they are not a sign of poor
hygiene nor a health hazard. This is
reinforced by updated guidelines
published in PEDIATRICS, the journal
of the American Academy of
Pediatrics. The clinical report
clarifies diagnosis and effective
treatment. Informed school nurses
can help with diagnosis and
suggestions about treatment. One
percent permethrin lotion is
recommended as initial treatment for
most head lice cases. The message
for parents and school administrators
is that no healthy child should be
excluded from or miss school
because of head lice. Further the
guidelines say no-nit policies for
return to school should be
abandoned. Your pediatrician can
help with diagnosis and management
of difficult cases of head lice.