Chronic infestation by Pediculi capitis among migrant farm worker children enrolled in a rural Head Start program in South Carolina resulted in children being sent home, loss of wages by farm worker parents, and an inability to identify if children were receiving adequate treatment. The purposes of this program were to teach staff and parents how to identify, treat and prevent future infestation and to treat children. Explanation in Spanish was provided in a letter with an attached consent form to treat. Non-traditional, non-toxic treatment modalities were chosen as acceptable to farm workers who expressed fear about pesticides. A "beauty shop" was fashioned in the classroom and children with head lice received a 10 minute application of mineral oil followed by a 10 minute lathering containing no-tears shampoo mixed with 10 drops of tea tree oil. Following the shampoo, hair was combed with a nit comb dipped in vinegar. Each infested child received the treatment once a week for up to four weeks or until inspection revealed that no lice were present. All children received personal combs. Parents attended an informal training about head lice and methods for its management at home.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe methods for identifying a child infested with viable and non-viable pediculi capitis and eggs. 2. Discuss natural methods for the treatment of pediculi capitis. 3. Evaluate the outcomes of natural treatments for an outbreak of pediculi capitis among Hispanic /Latino Migrant Farm Worker children
Keywords: Migrant Farm Workers, Infectious Diseases
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.