Michigan Parents Be On the Lookout For THIS As Kids Go Back to School

I remember being a kid and when someone had head lice at school they would get sent home and everyone else would get a letter or call home to inform our parents.

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Thankfully that never happened to me but I knew some kids and it was really embarrassing for them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has new rules to help schools handle head lice better.

These rules are meant to reduce the stigma and unnecessary school absences caused by lice.

No-Nit Policies Discouraged

The AAP says schools should not have "no-nit" policies.

These policies require kids to be completely free of nits (lice eggs) before coming back to school.

The AAP explains that most nits are far from the scalp and are unlikely to hatch or spread to others.

No-nit policies can cause kids to miss too much school and feel embarrassed.

Immediate Return to School

Kids with head lice should not be sent home early.

They can return to school after starting treatment, which can begin at home on the same day.

This approach helps kids continue their education without feeling stressed or singled out.

Emphasis on Confidentiality

Schools should keep lice cases private to avoid embarrassing the affected kids.

Caregivers should be informed privately and given instructions on how to treat lice.

Effective Treatment and Diagnosis

The AAP suggests using a fine-tooth comb to check for and manage head lice.

Treatment should start only when there is an active infestation.

Both over-the-counter and prescription treatments work well, but it is important to follow the directions to prevent lice from becoming resistant.

Schools should also teach parents about safe and effective treatments.

Prevention and Control Measures

It's hard to completely prevent head lice because kids often have close contact with each other.

However, the AAP advises against sharing personal items like combs and hats.

Regular checks by caregivers can help catch lice early and stop them from spreading.

This update is great, hopefully it will lead to less cases of kids getting picked on and less days missed in the classroom.