Embarrassment & keeping secrets are not productive with lice

I agree that kids should not miss school.  My nitpicking career is spent working all hours of the day and night, including holidays, to assure that kids are in school and their parents can get to work. An article posted yesterday A More Lenient Lice Policy In Schools Bugs Some Parents repeats the slogan that surfaces repeatedly throughout this whole debate; that “The policy shift is designed to help keep children from missing class, ‘shield children with lice from embarrassment’ and protect their privacy.” Shield children from embarrassment? REALLY!!! This is a counter productive approach and exactly what helps lice outbreaks to thrive! It’s time to get over the grossness of lice, roll up your sleeves and be proactive.

• Learn how to do a combing head check and do it weekly

• Communicate if you have lice to give people even a hint to be aware for the next few weeks

I’ve been a professional nitpicker for over 7 years and I’ve heard it all and seen it all. I have treated people with lice and trained nitpickers across the US and around the world.  Unregulated and incomprehensive lice policies, along with misinformation, has created an inevitably confusing standard of care for lice treatment in our country.  To recap: we have fewer notices going home, more kids remaining in school with lice, and products being recommended that do not work.  In addition, having treated many doctors’ families with lice, they are not always a reliable resource either.  This is not a good prescription for controlling lice outbreaks.  Check-out this link to my blog Lame Duck Lice Letter, written just before the lenient lice policies were published in the media. What we need is a comprehensive, consistent lice Rx policy in the US that keeps kids in school and gives parents the skill and knowledge needed to control lice outbreaks in their families.