Head Lice

Head lice feed on human blood. As they attach to the skin, their saliva causes intense itching. A female louse can lay up to six eggs a day and between 50 and 100 in her lifetime. Left untreated, head lice are annoying and easily spread.

Causes

Head lice are the parasite Pediculus humanus capitis. They infect only the scalp, not other areas of the body. Most head lice infestations occur in children. Head lice can be spread by sharing bedding, hats or combs with a person who has lice. Having lice is not a sign of poor hygiene.

Symptoms

A case of head lice is often mistaken for dandruff. Symptoms include itching. White nits (football-shaped eggs) can be seen on hair shafts; the nits can't be removed with regular shampooing. On occasion, actual lice can be seen in the hair, most often at the hairline at the back of the neck.

Treatment

Over-the-counter treatments for head lice are available in two forms: shampoo or cream rinse. Follow directions carefully to ensure successful treatment. Remove dead lice and nits (eggs) with a fine-tooth nit-removal comb. Repeat application of the anti-lice medication within seven to 10 days of first application, to kill any lice that may have hatched because they were missed during the combing process.

Self-Care Steps for Lice

• If nits are visible on the eyelashes, apply petroleum jelly with a cotton swab to eyelids twice a day for eight days.

• Machine wash recently worn clothing, bedding and towels in very hot water or dry in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Items such as toys that can't be washed can be dry-cleaned, stored in tightly sealed plastic bags for two to three weeks, or placed outside in cold weather for 48 hours.

• Soak all combs, brushes and hair accessories in anti-lice cream rinse or in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes.

• Vacuum floors, rugs, carpets, mattresses and furniture, including fabric-covered car seats and headrests. Discard vacuum cleaner bags and seal tightly.

Tips for Using Anti-Lice Cream Rinse or Shampoo

Cream Rinse

• Remove nits with a fine-tooth comb. Dip the comb into a solution of half vinegar and half rubbing alcohol and then back-comb to loosen the substance that binds the eggs to the hair shaft.

• Shampoo hair thoroughly to remove the vinegar solution.

• Towel dry hair completely to avoid diluting the medication.

• Apply 2 ounces of over-the-counter cream rinse containing 1 percent permethrin. Thoroughly massage into the scalp, where the lice live. Leave on hair for 10 minutes, then rinse well with cool water and dry. Do not wash hair for 24 hours.

Shampoo

• Apply shampoo to dry hair. Saturate completely and massage into scalp.

• Wait 10 minutes, then add water to form lather. Shampoo and rinse thoroughly with cool water.

• Hair may be difficult to comb after treatment. Use a regular shampoo and conditioner after treatment to get tangles out. (This will not reduce the effectiveness of the anti-lice shampoo.)

• Comb hair with a fine-tooth comb to remove lice eggs.