While many experts don’t endorse it, some schools have a "no-nit" policy. This means that a child cannot return to school without proof of head lice treatment or a louse - and nit - free inspection.

Transmission of head lice generally occurs with direct head-to-head contact, possibly with a close friend or sibling. Transmission is more likely to occur in the home than in the school.

No. You can’t "catch" head lice from pets. Head lice need a human host to survive.

Many louse infestations experienced by school children are not associated with any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, your child’s head may itch. You may see red, hive-like bumps on the head. Head lice are active at night so your child may have trouble sleeping. A louse infestation generally does not lead to infection.

Use of an over-the-counter (OTC) product is often the first step in head lice treatment. If your child lives in an area where resistance seems to be occurring, the doctor may recommend treatment with a prescription product, such as Ovide (malathion) Lotion, 0.5%.

Whether using an OTC or prescription product, it is very important to follow any instructions that are included with the product. After using the product, a metal nit comb also should be used to remove dead head lice and nits.

A child treated for head lice should be re-examined 7 - 10 days after treatment. If live head lice are still present, the treatment should be repeated.

If live head lice are still seen after 2 treatments, treatment failure likely has occurred. A health-care professional will likely advise you to use a prescription product.

It is especially important to avoid using dangerous materials such as kerosene, gasoline, paint thinners or turpentine to get rid of head lice.

Do not use an insecticide on furniture, rugs or pets.

They aren’t recommended for three reasons. First, mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, olive oil and mineral oil haven’t been clinically proven to be effective against head lice and nits . Second, if nits remain, the head lice problem will persist. Finally, these oil-based products can be extremely difficult (and frustrating) to wash off your child’s hair.

OVIDE (malathion) Lotion works quickly. After 8-12 hours of application, you can shampoo your child’s hair and remove dead head lice and nits with a nit comb . Clinical studies have shown that more than 90% of patients are head lice free after seven days.

Please see full prescribing information.