School no nit policies queried
13 June 2003
Children who have nits but no live head lice should not be banned from school, according to a British Medical Journal review.
Fewer than 20 per cent of children with nits (the eggs of head lice) would develop infestation (of head lice) within 14 days, so school 'no nits' policies made no sense, the review said (2003; 326: 1256-58).
'About half of children sent home for head lice don't have them,' stated the review.
The review also aims to dispel misconceptions about head lice, concluding that combing with conditioner (wet combing or 'bug busting') or other mechanical removal of lice or viable louse eggs has little evidence of efficacy (effectiveness). In addition, many combs are inappropriate. One trial found that permethrin crème rinse without combing was marginally more effective than permethrin with combing. (Permethrin is a type of insecticide used in some over the counter head lice treatments.)
Another common misconception was that cutting hair helped to deter lice. 'Head lice are probably more common in girls because girls are more likely to have close contacts during play,' the author said.
Last Reviewed: 12 June 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 13/6/03
