Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

By JENNIFER LEARN; Times Leader Staff Writer
Saturday, January 16, 1993     Page: 2A QUICK WORDS: HEAD LICE WARNING

Area parents should be aware of an outbreak of head lice.
   
Some students in Duryea and Pittston area schools have lice, and other
schools also may have cases since lice are common this time of year, according
to local Pennsylvania Department of Health spokesperson Bernard Healey.
    “The problem usually arises after every school break because during breaks
children are more apt to be playing more and sharing things, which includes
hats and combs. That’s how it spreads,” said Marlene Uhrin-Birster, nursing
supervisor at the Luzerne County Pennsylvania Health Center in Wilkes-Barre.
   
“It’s a highly communicable disease. It’s usually not the cause of any
disease among people. We call it a social annoyance,” she said.
   
The grayish-tan cylinders cause more emotional than physical distress, she
said.
   
“It’s highly stressful for a parent and child. People who get lice think
there’s something wrong with them, but lice happens to people from all walks
of life. There’s no reason to feel something’s wrong with a person or that
they are dirty because they have lice,” Uhrin-Birster said.
   
Although children under 12 are the largest group commonly inflicted with
lice, all ages can get it, Healey said.
   
The main symptom of lice is an itchy scalp. Parents of children with a
classmate who has lice should first check the entire scalp in good lighting.
Lice will not flake like dandruff.
   
A doctor visit is recommended if lice is found, although pharmacies sell
over-the-counter medication to kill lice, Uhrin-Birster said.
   
Anyone using the medication should follow the directions because they
contain chemicals that are harmful in larger doses, she said.
   
She offers the following tips to attack the annoying parasite:
   
Do not share hats, combs, hairpieces, jackets or other items that come into
contact with the head. Teach children to put scarves and hats in the sleeves
of their coat and hang it so it doesn’t touch others.
   
Clean the entire house at the same time. Change all laundry sheets. Vacuum
everything, including mattresses and upholstery. Wash other items with hot
water. Wash all clothes.
   
Things that can’t be washed should be placed in a thick, well-sealed
plastic bag for 14 days to prevent eggs from hatching.
   
Change the vacuum bag and throw it in a sealed bag for disposal.
   
Make sure the child does not take the unclean items out of the bag to avoid
reinfection.
   
Disinfect all combs and brushes.
   
Policies about returning to school vary. Concerned parents should contact
the school nurse department for more information. The state health center, 297
S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, offers free pamphlets about lice and other
problems.