Just the mention of the word 'kutu' starts everyone scratching their heads... maybe because you worry you may have the little critters in your hair, or maybe because you don't know what 'kutu' means...
Kutu is the Indonesian word for lice (tiny grey/brown parasitic insects) or nits (the eggs laid by lice). Here in Bali, we are in the perfect breeding environment for the horrible things to thrive. Trying to stop the spread of kutu in school is not an easy task, but there are a few things we can do to help to keep them in check.
1. Kutu are easily passed between children, so wearing long hair tied back helps them from 'getting loose'.
2. Check hair regularly. Please don't let children come to school if they have ANY signs of kutu.
3. If we find them in a child's hair (even if they are only eggs), we will send the child home immediately to have their hair treated. Children may return when all kutu and live eggs are gone.
4. Kutu also live in hats, pillow cases, brushes, combs and anywhere the hair may have come into recent contact, so everything needs to be treated.
5. Children scratching their heads a lot is a sure sign of kutu, but they often don't even notice they have them. They can live in clean hair as easily in unwashed, so be vigilant in checking.
Recently, a child came to the office complaining of a headache and lump at the back of her head. Upon further investigation, it became obvious that the lump and headache were caused by kutu. Although rare, kutu can cause infection and/or allergic reactions.
Many people are worried about the harsh chemicals that are used to treat kutu. The fastest and most effective way to kill kutu is with over the counter chemical solutions, but here are a few links to some other more environmentally friendly and safer ideas:
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20641598,00.html
http://www.undergroundhealth.com/eliminate-head-lice-simple-safe-natural-remedy/
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-head-lice.html
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