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Quick Guide for Managing Head Lice
Management and treatment of head lice
includes:
1. Careful inspection and screening of the hair and
scalp to identify lice and/or nits correctly.
2. Use of a pediculicidal (head lice) product if live lice
or viable nits are found.
3. Cleaning of personal items and the environment.
4. Repeat treatment with the pediculicidal product
following the label instructions. If the label does not
provide a guide for a second treatment, repeat
treatment nine days following the initial treatment.
1. Careful inspection of the hair and scalp
to identify lice and/or nits correctly.
Lice are tiny insects (about the size of sesame seeds)
ranging in color from red to brown, yellow, tan, gray,
white, or black. They attach their eggs (nits) to the
hair shaft near the scalp with a glue-like substance.
The nits are small, about the size of a knot of thread,
and can be white, tan, pale gray, or yellow in color.
Nits can be hard to see, so it is important to take your
time and separate the hair into thin sections. The nits
are most commonly found at the nape of the neck
and behind the ears, but can be anywhere, so check
the entire head.
A person is infested with head lice if live lice or nits on
the hair shaft closer than one quarter inch from the
scalp are found.
All individuals living with an infested person, as well
as those who have head-to-head contact with the
person, should be screened for lice.
2. Use of a pediculicidal (head lice)
product if live lice or viable nits are
found.
When someone is infested with head lice, he or she
should be treated with a medicated hair product that
will kill the lice (a pediculicide). Pediculicides are not
meant to be used for prevention.
There are many lice treatment products available,
which can be found at area drug stores or grocery
stores. Most non-prescription pediculicidal products
contain permethrin 1% or pyrethrin (such as Nix or
RID
). Permethrin 1% is recommended as the first
choice of treatment. Once you have selected a
product, it is very important that you follow the label
directions on the product EXACTLY to treat those who
are infested.
Treat only those people with live lice or nits less than
one quarter inch from the scalp. The American
Academy of Pediatrics recommends treating anyone
who shares the same bed with those who are
infested.
Prescription pediculicides are also available. For
further information on pediculicidal products, contact
your local public health department, healthcare
provider, clinic, or pharmacy.
Before using the product, review all safety
statements on the label. Do not use the product if
any of the precautions apply to you or the person
being treated. Consult with a healthcare provider for
further instructions. Using a head lice treatment
product will not prevent you from getting head lice.
Use of a brand name does not endorse the specific product. A
similar product may work as well as those mentioned.