Elementary School

ALERT: Head Lice Prevention

We have experienced a few cases of head lice in the primary grades. Please use the information below to help us to prevent the head lice from spreading.

Useful information for Treating Head Lice

Check out the CDC website for head lice treatment information: http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/treatment.html

Please remember if buying over-the-counter medications and shampoos like Rid or Nix, they only kill LIVE lice; they do not kill eggs.Daily head checks and further treatment are necessary. There is a prescription shampoo called "Ovide;" however, you need to contact your pediatrician to obtain a prescription for it. You may have heard of Lindane (it was probably used when you were children)--it is no longer recommended by the AAP, as most pediatricians will not prescribe it due to concern of toxicity if over-used, or swallowed.

Lastly, because lice is such a common problem and can spread through schools so fast, there are numerous locations/salons in Chicago that specialize in lice treatment. One such place--Hair Fairies--specializes in lice removal and you can find more information about them at http://www.hairfairies.com. Also, a simple Google search should help you find a lice removal salon if Hair Fairies is not near where you live.

Ensure that your child does not contract head lice by checking your child's head each night and discourage your children from sharing hats, combs, hairbands, etc. Lice cannot live off the human body for long but when kids are in close contact with each other it gets transmitted easily.