Noting that every year, 10 to 12 million children contract head lice, this book aims to demystify and provide information about the problem of head lice infestation of children. The first chapter gives statistical details about the problem and its effects on health. Chapter 2 provides factual information concerning the features, life-cycle, reproductive capacity, and survival strategy of lice. Chapter 3 describes the symptoms of the problem and the actions to be taken by the parents after lice are reported at school. A step-by-step procedure for treating the infestation is related in chapter 4, and how to clean and rid the house of any further infestation is discussed in chapter 5. Treatment alternatives and their possible effects are provided in Chapter 6 while chapter 7 examines ways of preventing the problem. Chapter 8 answers frequently asked questions about lice. The role and responsibility of schools with regard to this problem is discussed in chapter 9. The last chapter is a list of resources comprising organizations, videotapes, and literature. A checklist for treatment is appended. (BAC)