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27m ago

Back-to-School Lice Concerns Rise as CDC Reiterates Children Can Stay in Class After Treatment Begins

Children may remain in school once treatment begins, according to CDC guidance.

Jacob Anthon demonstrates the use of an FDA-cleared device that uses a combination of airflow temperature, speed, and direction to kill lice and eggs at Lice Clinics of America in Sugar Land, Texas, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Lekan Oyekanmi)
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Jacob Anthon demonstrates the use of an FDA-cleared device that uses a combination of airflow temperature, speed, and direction to kill lice and eggs at Lice Clinics of America in Sugar Land, Texas, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Lekan Oyekanmi)
Jacob Anthon demonstrates the use of an FDA-cleared device that uses a combination of airflow temperature, speed, and direction to kill lice and eggs at Lice Clinics of America in Sugar Land, Texas, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Lekan Oyekanmi)

Overview

  • Google Trends shows a rise in lice-related searches since mid-August as preschool and elementary students returned to classrooms.
  • The CDC says students with head lice should finish the school day and return after starting treatment, and experts reject 'no-nit' exclusion rules.
  • Lice spread mainly through head-to-head contact, cannot hop or fly, and typically die within about two days off a human host.
  • Effective options include over-the-counter and prescription medications and clinic treatments using an FDA-cleared airflow device, and most nonprescription products require a follow-up application.
  • Experts cite new-onset scalp itching as a key sign, and the CDC advises avoiding head-to-head contact and cleaning items used in the previous two days, while home remedies like oils or mayonnaise lack scientific support.