LICE

LICE
Head lice are common in children, and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Head lice do not transmit disease and therefore are not a health hazard. They are transmitted by direct contact with hair of infested persons, or from items such as combs, brushes and hats. Adult lice are seldom seen. Typically, the nits, light-tan egg cases are visible, attached firmly to the hair shafts. Also, children often develop a rash at the nape (base) of the neck.

Home treatment:

- Wash hair with regular shampoo, then scrub hair with anti-lice shampoo (Nix is very effective) leave in for 10-20 minutes & rinse
- Remove nits with fine tooth comb or pull them out individually

Alternatives as Needed:
- Apply a solution 50%vinegar 50% water to hair, leave on for 30 minutes under towel – this helps loosen nits
- Mayonnaise or olive oil application can be used overnight with a shower cap to suffocate the lice.

Contagiousness:
- Parent should check the heads of everyone else living in the home for nits
- Any family member with visible nits, itching or rash on nape of neck should be treated

Decontaminate:
- Lice can’t live for longer then 72 hours off the human body
- Soak combs & brushes for 1 hr in anti-lice solution

Vacuum
- Seal all personal contacts such as hats, pillows, stuffed animals in a plastic bag for 3 wks
- Wash blankets, sheets & clothes worn 72 hours before in hot water

Call if:
- Rash/itching doesn’t clear by 1 week
- Rash clears & returns
- New eggs appear
- Sores look infected
- Lice or nits return
- Other questions/concerns

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional care.
You should consult your own physician or other health care provider for specific advice and treatment,
which advice and treatment will be based upon your individual facts and circumstances.