Lice, Lice, Baby

And then the head lice came in the kindergarten. Everybody knew, at least those who reads the notice posted right on the door of the kindergarten, that head lice is reported. Nobody know who is affected, especially since that infected child would have to remain at home until it is proven; with a doctor's certificated, that there are no more lice or nits left to hatch to avoid head lice being passed to other kids.

And then, to make sure that everybody would know; everyone got a notice which should be read and done and filled by the parents to be given back to the teacher to make sure everybody's been checked. On it states what should be done:

1. To systematically check the hair of the children in the earliest possible time for lice (adult lice) and nits (the eggs).

2. It is well known that nits are sometimes mistaken for dandruffs (flaky scalp). When you shake and comb the hair, the dandruff would be disturbed; but the nits stick on the strand and is not easy to remove. A nit is just like a sand, around 1 mm, oval shaped and has the same sandy color. It could be found directly on the hair strands.

3. When you look for the lice and nits, make sure you are under a very good light (under the sun or with a bright light) sometimes a magnifying glass would help, too. And make sure you do it strand for strand.

4. When you discover the presence of lice (earlier symptoms would include vigorous scratching, bad smelling hair, etc), look for the best treatment which could be found at the pharmacy. And follow strictly the instructions.

5. After doing this, make sure you check again for nits strand for strand, moving systematically from one side of the head to another; use your fingernails to take the eggs away or when needed, cut the infected hair with a nail cutter. A fine tooth comb or suyod in Tagalog, would help a lot, too.

6. A second treatment should be done after eight days; of course, the parents would have to remain vigilant for the next days to make sure that everything is really clear.

Now, it is only when these things are done successfully that the child could come, with a note from the parents, and join the kindergarten again.

I know that head lice are a problem in poor countries; children could not concentrate in school when they are bugged by these lice. And some extreme cases show wounded scalps, which of course, added to the misery of kids. I agree with reporting these cases; for then we, parents, would be aware of what to look out for.

I told MC and IC to be aware of this case and never to use the friseur toys (those involving combs and hair styling), to avoid dressing up with the available costumes and that they should not play with the bed sheets and pillows scattered around in kindergarten. That is, until everything's been cleared. Although, I am sure they would have less enthusiasm with those things because of the possible consequences. Well, there are other things to do in kindergarten, after all.

And I am glad the kids were spared. No head lice or nits.

Here are more tips on How to threat head lice.