Treatment for Head Lice

You have discovered that you or someone in your family is infested with head lice. What do you do? 
Don’t panic. Be thorough in following these directions and those on the packaged head lice treatment that you will find at the pharmacist. Paying careful attention to directions will eradicate the lice and prevent them from returning.

Treatment:

• Check all family members but treat only those who are infested. The most common form of treatment is medicated shampoo, creams or lotions. They can be purchased over the counter or by prescription and, used as directed, they will kill both lice and eggs. After the treatment, comb with a fine-toothed comb to remove eggs and nits. You will find special combs for this purpose wherever you find treatment products.
• Due to the life cycle of head lice it is wise to repeat the entire treatment about 7 to 10 days after the first treatment.
• Don’t wash the affected person’s hair for 1 to 2 days after using the treatment.
• Don’t repeat use of the same medication more than three times on the same person. If the medication does not seem to be working, check with your doctor for another recommendation.

Caution: These medicated products are insecticides and should not be used on children under the age of 2.
Be sure to check with your physician or pharmacist before using them on anyone who is pregnant, nursing, or has asthma or other medical conditions.

• Lice cannot live more than 48 hours when not on a human body, so, there is no need to spray your house with insecticide
• Wash all bed linens and clothing that has been recently worn by anyone suffering from head lice infestation. Use very hot water and then put them in the hot cycle of the dryer for 20 minutes.
• Dry clean any clothing that cannot by washed.
• Vacuum carpets, upholstery, car seats, and mattresses thoroughly.

Prevention:

• Avoid head-to-head contact at school, playground, sports or wherever.
• Do not share combs, brushes, barrettes, hair bands, scarves, hats, towels, etc.
• Do not lie on bedding, pillows, carpets or furniture that have been used recently by someone with head lice.