Nursing Services Department

Keeping Students Healthy

• School Forms
• Asthma Program
• Diabetes Information
• Parent Resources

Head Lice

Head Lice is a common community problem. Everyone is susceptible to head lice. They can be a nuisance but have not been shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice. APS school nurses follow recommendations from the New Mexico Department of Health for identifying students with lice infestations and treatment recommendations.

What happens if a student has lice?

• Students diagnosed with live head lice are not sent home early from school. Their parents are notified.
• The student can return to school once appropriate treatment has begun.
• Routine classroom checks for head lice and parent notification of exposure to head lice are not done by the school nurse unless 3 or more students have identified with active head lice in the same classroom.

Lice removal treatment

• Identification and Treatment of Head Lice (Centers for Disease Control)
• Video: How to Get Rid of Head Lice Fast — Home Remedies for Lice (YouTube)
• Need help in obtaining treatment shampoo for your child/family? Contact your Public Health Office.

APS Nursing does not recommend any specific treatment method for head lice. If you have been unsuccessful in removing head lice, it is best to contact your provider to discuss treatment options.