Lice

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Though the exact number is unknown, lice infestations affect thousands of homes and schools each year. Your children should understand that everyone can get lice, and being “dirty” has no real relationship to whether or not someone catches lice. A louse (singular for lice) is a tiny insect the size of a sesame seed and has six legs and claws. Lice are parasites, which are plants or animals that live off of other plants or animals in order to survive. Like mosquitoes, lice feed on small amounts of blood from their host, or the body the parasites live on. Your children should understand that lice do not hurt, but they may make their heads tickle or itch. People should avoid scratching as much as possible. Scratching can lead to infections and worsen the problem.