LICE (PEDICULOSIS)
PROBLEM
A parasite called a louse has been found on your body or hair. Lice tend to live on the scalp, eyebrows, or genital area, or in warm moist areas of your skin. You may notice you have intense itching, swelling, or reddened areas of the skin, and sometimes even enlarged lymph glands.
CAUSE
The lice bite the skin and cause the intense itching. Lice and their eggs (called nits) may be difficult to see on the skin and shafts of hair. Lice look like small, 2- to 3-mm, tan-colored bugs. The eggs are tiny white eggs that stick to the hair shaft.
PREVENTION
You can prevent repeated episodes of lice if you bathe daily; avoid crowded living conditions; change bed linens frequently, and do not share hats, combs, brushes, or other belongings. When family members have been in contact with others diagnosed with lice, check them closely for lice and treat as appropriate.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Use medicated shampoo as directed.
B.Machine wash all linens, stuffed animals, and any other items with which the lice may have come in contact.
C.Wash clothes in hot, soapy water.
D.Dry all linens in a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes.
E.Items that cannot be washed must be taken to the dry cleaner or wrapped and sealed in a plastic bag for 14 days.
F.Boil all hair accessories and clean well.
G.Do not share hats and combs.
H.Spray all furniture with appropriate products that kill all nits and lice.
I.Vacuum.
Activity: There is no activity restriction.
Diet: There is no special diet.
Medications:
A.Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved over-the-counter (OTC) products: Pyrethrins combined with piperonyl butoxide; brand name Rid, Triple X, A-200, Pronto, R & C. Approved for children 2 years and up. Avoid if allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemums.
B.FDA approved for children 2 months and older: Permethrin lotion 1%. Brand name: Nix. Repeat application on day 9 of initial dose.
You Have Been Prescribed to Use:
A.Treat as directed on the bottle.
B.After shampooing as directed, make sure to remove each single nit from each shaft of hair. Any nits left in the hair will hatch and start the cycle over again. Comb any dead or remaining live lice out of the hair with a fine-tooth comb.
C.Repeat on day 9 of initial dose.
D.Do not use a shampoo/conditioner or conditioner prior to use of the lice medications. Do not wash hair for 1 to 2 days after lice medication treatment.
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.Any questions regarding the removal of the nits and lice, or if you need any assistance. If other family members need to be evaluated, please let us know. If secondary infection occurs, call the office.
B.Precautions: Do not overuse medications or combine different head lice medications. Use only as directed. These medications are insecticides and can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Phone: ____________________________
RESOURCE
American Academy of Dermatology
9500 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Ste 500, Rosemont, IL 60018-5216
United States
Phone: (888) 462-DERM (3376)
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