Head lice — a common problem among school-age children — is something all parents dread.
Registered nurse Deanna Dickerson, owner of The Lice Place, encounters many families seeking relief from the persistent pests.
“Those bugs only have to mate one time, and they lay three to 10 eggs a day,” Dickerson said.
Between 6 to 12 million head lice infestations occur each year in the United States, primarily affecting children ages 3 to 11, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. Dickerson notes that young girls tend to experience the most severe cases, often because of close contact activities.
“They do a lot of selfies. They do a lot of hugging,” she said. “They’re on cheerleading teams and sports teams, so a lot of hurdles in general.”
To manage the spread of lice, school districts have implemented policies. The Williamson County School Board is currently reviewing its own head lice policy , considering a change that aligns with recommendations from the Tennessee Department of Health.