Dhahran British Grammar School

Quality British Education in Saudi Arabia

Head Lice

What are they?

  • Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in human hair near the scalp.
  • Anyone can get them.  Head lice spread between people who live, work or play together.
  • They crawl and move by direct contact.
  • They are not a sign of poor hygiene and have no preference for clean or dirty hair! 
  • Head lice do not carry disease, they are simply a nuisance.
  • Infestations are most common at the beginning or each school year.

Signs and symptoms

  • You have to LOOK for head lice.  Many head lice infestations carry no symptoms and only cause itchiness or scratching.
  • Head lice eggs(nits) are grey-white in colour, very small and attach to shafts of hair

Signs to look for

The lice are difficult to see.  To check hair for head lice use a magnifying glass in strong light or:

  1. Carefully comb sections of the hair with a fine tooth or head lice comb
  2. Wipe the combings on a paper towel and look for lice or eggs
  3. Repeat the combing for every part of the head 4 or 5 times

If lice or eggs are found the hair should be treated.

How do I manage head lice?

  1. Use an medicated shampoo formulated to kill head lice  and apply as per instructions.

  2. Wash all combs, brushes and hair accessories in medicated shampoo.  Rinse in clear water.

  3. Wash towels, clothing and bedding in hot soapy water.  Dry in clothes dryer.
  4. Regularly check for any evidence of head lice.

ISG has a ‘no nit’ policy.  If your child is found to have head lice they will be required leave school and be treated. They will only be allowed to return to class after they have been checked and cleared by the nurses’ office.

If you have any questions please contact us on 330-0555 ext.2201/2202

Regards,

Ingrid and Angela
School Nurses’ Office
ISG Dhahran