Fact Sheets for Families 08/07

Head lice are very common among children 3 to 12 years of age. Children in group settings like child care and schools are at increased risk, because of their habits of frequent head-to-head contact and sharing personal items. Although head lice are a nuisance, they do not transmit infections. Exercise caution In the past two decades, head lice have become resis-tant to nearly all first-line treatments. As a result, these treatments will not kill the lice, are a waste of money, and expose children to unnecessary side effects and toxicity. Know the biology of head lice Understanding the life cycle is an important factor in the management of head lice. Head lice live and bree