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How To Recognize and Treat
Head Lice
Lice infestations are a year-round problem, however the autumn return to the classroom tends to result in a
peak of reported cases. Tens of millions of cases of head lice are reported each year in North
America. Lice are not something to be ashamed of. They are not known to transmit disease, nor
do they indicate poor hygiene or uncleanliness. Anyone can get head lice, regardless of sex, race,
age, hair length, or socio-economic status. Lice are very contagious and can easily take
epidemic proportions. Head lice feed on the blood of their host, much like mosquitoes. They
need a warm 30 degree C environment. That's why they live on the head, the warmest part of the
body. Adult lice can only survive away from the body for about 48 hours at room temperature
- What Are Head Lice?
Head lice are tiny gray insects (parasites) that live exclusively on the human scalp. You won't find them on cats or dogs or any other household pet. Head lice are grayish-white in colour and about 2-3mm in size (the size of a pinhead), and multiply very quickly.
- How Lice Spread
Heat produced by the body is required for head lice to survive and their eggs (called nits) to hatch. Typically, lice cannot survive away from the body for more than 48 hours. Because lice cannot jump or fly, they are usually transmitted during direct personal contact where the lice can move quickly from one head to another. Head lice may also be picked up when sharing combs, brushes, hats, scarves, pillows, towels, stuffed toys, or just about any article that has come in contact with an infested person.
- What To Look For
In most cases, the first sign of an infestation is constant itching of the scalp, particularly around the ears and the back of the head. Rash-like red marks resulting from scratching may also be visible. If an infestation has been reported in your child's group, look for lice even if there is no obvious itch; some children don't experience any itching. Head lice are difficult to see because they are very small and because they avoid light.
Their nits, which are small, almost
white and oval in shape, may be easier to spot. They can be found attached to individual hairs
very close to the scalp. Nits may look like scalp flakes or shampoo residue, but they are firmly
fastened to hair shafts and difficult to remove by hand. Inspect several hairs in different areas
along the hairline and around the ears.
- Check Family Members
If your child has head lice, inspect the hair of family members too. Those who are infested must be treated. You should also inform the parents of your child's friends and appropriate authorities such as teachers, the school nurse or day-care administrator.
- Wash Clothes and Clean House
To reduce the risk of spreading lice to others, machine-wash all exposed clothing, including head-gear, coats, scarves, as well as bed linens and towels in hot water, then dry them for at least 20 minutes on the hot cycle. Items that are not machine-washable, such as stuffed toys or pillows, should be dry-cleaned or stored in tightly sealed bags for 2 weeks. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. It is also recommended that the home environment be kept clean. Thoroughly vaccuum carpets, upholstered furniture, pillows and mattresses.
- Treatment of Head Lice
Medication designed to treat head lice is available from the pharmacy without a prescription. Before using any medication, consult with your doctor, pharmacist or school nurse. It is important that two treatments be applied, one week apart.
When using a Head Lice Product:
Timing is important - if the product is rinsed off too soon, the lice and nits may not be killed. If it is left on too long, you're causing unneeded exposure to the lice killing chemicals. These products should not be used near the eyes, nose or mouth. A towel held tightly over the eyes protects them during treatment. Apply a second treatment in one week to kill any newly-hatched lice before they are mature enough to lay new eggs. (Repeat the treatment once only).
TO REMOVE NITS:
Removing the nits after treatment makes it easier to see any new infestations. Bright, natural
light helps you to see the nits better.
Comb the hair to remove snarls, then take hold of a lock of hair. Use your thumbnail against your first finger to strip the nits from the hair starting from the roots right down to the tips. Pin back that lock of hair and continue until nits are removed. Try to remove the very tiny eggs laid right next to the scalp.
You can also
comb-out the nits holding a fine-tooth comb (nit comb) on a downward angle. The hair should be kept
wet during the combing operation and it is important that the comb be wiped clean frequently and
freed from clogging.
Products Available For Treatment of Head Lice
Pyrethrins (e.g. R&C Shampoo)
This product should not be used for anyone with a known allergy to ragweed or chrysanthemums.
It is important to apply this shampoo to dry hair and leave on the area for 10 minutes.
Then add a little water and work the shampoo in the hair and skin.
Rinse thoroughly.
Remove the dead lice and eggs as instructed in the package instructions.
Permethrin (e.g. Nix)
This product should not be used for persons with a known allergy to chrysanthemums, synthetic pyrethroids, or pyrethrins.
Do not use on children under age 2 unless directed by a physician.
The hair should be washed with a conditioner-free shampoo, and a conditioner should not be used after washing.
Itching my increase for a while after treatment, but this is not a concern.
SH-206 Shampoo.
This product is safe and has a low incidence of skin irritation.
The shampoo is applied to wet hair, lathered and scrubbed vigorously for 10 minutes and then rinsed.
A second application should be done in 48 hours.For more information on this or any other related topic, call our pharmacist at 613-962-5387, or fax us at 613-962-5605 or e-mail us at kellys@kellysdrugstore.com
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