Head lice are two words all parents dread hearing. Head lice do not fly or jump- they are transmitted by direct contact (for example, by wearing someone else's hat). Anyone can get lice. They do not live on animals. Often, a person will feel intense itching.

Please encourage your children to never share hats, scarves, coats, or sweatshirts. Please also check your child's head frequently.

ALL TREATMENT should be on the SAME DAY: washing, vacuuming, shampooing, etc., to reduce any possibility of re-infestation. Children under the age of two years, pregnant and nursing mothers should check with a medical provider for treatment information.

1. Remove all clothing of person being treated. Shampoo with lice shampoo, following directions on the bottle very carefully. Put on clean clothes after shampooing.

2. Completely remove nits from the hair. Soaking hair in 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 warm water solution for 5-10 minutes may help dissolve the "glue" holding the nits in place, or the use of STEP-2 conditioner may help. Use a special nit comb,tweezers, fingers, or a combination of all methods to remove nits. The comb/and or tweezers should be washed in hot, soapy water after each use.

3. Wash all clothing, towels, bed linens, and other washable articles in detergent and hot water (130-150 degrees F) and dry on hot dryer setting for at least 20 minutes. Use a hot iron on articles that are line dried. Dry clean articles that cannot be washed.

4. Carefully vacuum all other non-washable items, including rugs, beds, car seats, and upholstered furniture. See #6 for stuffed animals, etc.

5. Anything that cannot be laundered or vacuumed should be sealed in a plastic bag for 14 continuous days so live nits that hatch will die.

6. Inspects all family members for at least two weeks to reduce the chance of spreading lice to other family members.

Please call with any questions or concerns.