Back To School, Not Back To Lice

It’s back to school season across the United States, and right here in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Parents have done the back to school shopping, packed the kids’ backpacks, and sent them off for another year of learning. Fall sports, clubs and other after school activities are beginning as parents’ calendars fill to the brim with the fun and stress of the back to school season. Unfortunately, back to school means back to peak head lice season.

Head lice is the second largest cause of absenteeism among elementary students, behind only the common cold. It’s an epidemic that sweeps through our youth year round, finding its personal Christmas along with their return to school.

School brings children together in tight spaces like hallways and classrooms allowing lice to spread easily from host to host. The school nurses of Central Bucks School District remind families that head lice is not a sign of poor hygiene in their letter home to parents and guardians. They urge parents to talk to their students about the spread of lice through sharing personal items and close contact.

At Central Bucks School District the official lice policy is to check the student for lice and provide the family with treatment information, the child may not return until they are treated. To avoid your student missing out on more school than necessary, it’s important to know the signs of head lice.

Common signs of head lice include: an itchy scalp and shoulders, red spots on the scalp and shoulders, and a moving sensation in the hair. Often visible signs of the lice themselves can be seen; small flecks like dandruff may appear but may in fact be the lice and attached nits.

During times of peak head lice infestations it’s important to check often for head lice. Checking your family regularly during back to school season is recommended. Going through your student’s hair while it is damp with a fine comb and flash light should make it easy to spot any signs of head lice. In case of an outbreak in the school district it is recommended to check your family more often.

At Lice Clinics of America – Bucks County we are happy to offer lice screenings and even waive the fee of our screening if treatment is needed. Our trained professionals are experts at checking for and treating head lice. Our signature AirAlle treatment removes lice in a safe, natural manner. We even guarantee our treatment and offer same day appointments so your student can be back to school in no time!

Back to school can be stressful enough, don’t let head lice make it any more taxing. To learn more or to schedule an appointment for a screening or treatment, visit https://liceclinicsbuckscounty.com/, or email info@LiceClinicsBucksCounty.com. For lice treatment at our Pennsylvania Clinic; call Doylestown/Bucks County (267) 810-0007. For lice treatment at our New Jersey Clinics; call Hamilton Clinic (609) 422-5353, Marlton clinic call (856) 454-2302, and Edison clinic call (848) 229-9106.