SATURDAY, Dec. 14, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Head lice can be a wintertime headache for families and schools, but simple precautions can stop the spread of these pesky parasites.

Every year, 6 million to 12 million children in the United States, ages 3 to 11, experience head lice infestations, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Contrary to popular belief, these tiny insects don’t jump or fly, said Ali Wurster, a nurse practitioner with the Texas A&M Health Mobile Health Clinic.

“They actually crawl,” Wurster explained in a university release. “A kid can be sitting in a classroom even a foot away from another child, and if their heads don't touch, the lice are not going to jump onto someone else.”

While many believe individuals with dirty or unclean hair are more likely to attract lice, the reverse is true, Wurster said. The small, sesame seed-sized parasites prefer a clean scalp.

They spread most commonly among school-aged children through shared items like hats, coats, brushes or dress-up clothes, which present prime modes of transfer for the parasites.

To prevent head lice, avoid sharing hats, brushes or clothing. School staff should regularly sanitize common items. Wurster also recommended keeping heads apart during nap time to further deter spread.

While not harmful, head lice can cause significant discomfort and should be mitigated as soon as possible both to ease symptoms and stymie further spread.

If lice are found, treatment is straightforward. Over-the-counter and prescription topical creams such as Nix and Permethrin work effectively, Wurster said. After applying the treatment, remove lice eggs (nits) with a fine-toothed comb, seal them in a plastic bag and repeat treatment in seven days if needed.

Wash clothing, bedding and other fabric items in hot water and dry on high heat. Non-washable items, like stuffed animals, should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.

The CDC no longer requires children with lice to be sent home immediately; they can finish the school day, begin treatment after school, and return the next day.

Despite misconceptions, families and schools can quickly address and oftentimes prevent head lice with an accurate understanding of how the parasites spread and best practices for treatment.

SOURCE: Texas A&M Health, news release, Dec. 9, 2024