Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • August 31, 2011 Lice are common in classroom environments breaks. These small parasites that live in the hair on the scalp, are sometimes found in the eyebrows. They feed upon very small amounts of blood from the scalp. Lice can spread easily from person to person. Sharing common items, such as hats or clothing, could pass lice on to others. It is important to treat a lice outbreak very early to prevent an outbreak. No one is immune from lice and having lice doesn’t necessarily mean a child is lacking in proper hygiene. Lice simply like to lay eggs on a hair shaft close to the scalp, a perfect warm environment for the small eggs to hatch. Although lice and their eggs are very small, they can be seen with the naked eye. Sometimes it is easier to spot the eggs, which are white, tan or gray, more easily than spotting moving lice. Once lice hatch from their eggs -- usually one to two weeks after incubation -- the discarded eggs will remain attached to the hair shafts. Head lice do not spread disease and aren’t dangerous. However, the fact that they are highly contagious makes them a nuisance at school. Few schools have proven immune to head lice out- Recognizing lice gets easier as hair grows and the eggs move farther away from the scalp. Very often parents choose to treat head lice at home with over-the-counter products that are readily available. Failing to report the presence of lice to doctors can make it difficult to track the prevalence of head lice outbreaks or the severity. It is up to parents and school officials to quickly eradicate lice. Signs of lice include the nits (eggs) and lice on the scalp. There also may be red bumps and irritation. Sometimes children complain of feeling itchy or that something is tickling their head. Medicated shampoos are essentially insecticides designed to kill the lice and nits. They must be used carefully to avoid harm to children. Overuse can also be dangerous, so it is best to clearly identify lice before using a treatment on a child. Parents who are unsure can consult the school nurse or a doctor.