CAUSE

Head lice live only on human beings.  They can be spread quickly by using the hat, comb, or brush of an infected person, or simply by close contact.  Anyone can get lice despite good health habits and frequent hairwashing.  The nits (eggs) normally hatch into lice in about 1 week. 

Lice that live in the pubic area ("crabs") are slightly different but are treated the same way as head lice.  They can be transmitted from bedding or clothing and do not signify sexual contact.  

DESCRIPTION

•       Lice are grey insects, 1/16 inch long, that move quickly, and are difficult to see.

•       Nits (white eggs) are firmly attached to hairs. They are often mistaken for dandruff.  Unlike dandruff, nits can't be shaken off. 

•       Your child's scalp itches and has a rash. 

•       The back of the neck is the favorite area. 

EXPECTED COURSE

There are no lasting problems from having lice and they do not carry other diseases. Treatment involves killing all lice and removing all eggs. If the lice come back, it usually means that not all the nits were removed or your child has had contact with another infected person.

HOME TREATMENT

1.       Killing the Lice

   Nix Cream Rinse: Safe. Available over the counter. Apply as cream rinse to washed, partially dried hair from root to end. Work into scalp. All hair and scalp must be treated. leave on for at least four minutes and no more than twenty minutes. Then rinse thoroughly removing all of the nix.

Ovide: Apply to dry hair in an amount sufficient to thoroughly wet hair and scalp. Make sure back of head and neck are saturated.  Wash your hands after applying. Allow lotion to dry naturally. Since lotion is flammable do not use hair dryer, avoid electric appliances, flames and do note smoke. leave on for 8-12 hours and then thoroughly shampoo the hair.

Check with your doctor 7-10 days after treatment for any signs of active lice.

 2.  Removing nits

Remove the nits by backcombing with a fine-tooth comb or pull them out individually.  If necessary the nits can be loosened using a mixture of half vinegar and half water.  Apply the mixture to the hair and keep your child's hair under a towel wrap for 30 minutes. Schools will not allow children to return if nits are present.  The head does not need to be shaved to cure lice. 

3.   Lice in the eyelashes

If you see any lice or nits in the eyelashes, put plain petroleum jelly (vaseline) on the eyelashes twice a day for 8 days.  The lice won't survive. This is also an effective treatment for the hair, but quite messy.

4.   Cleaning the house

Head lice can't live for more than 24 hours off the human bodybut the nits can survive for up to 2 weeks. Your child's room should be vacuumed.  Combs and brushes should be soaked for 1 hour in a solution made from the anti-lice shampoo or bleach or boiled for 20 minutes. Wash your child's sheets, blankets, and pillowcases in hot water.  Items that can't be washed (hats or coats) can be sealed in plastic bags for 2 weeks (the longest that nits can survive).  Anti-lice sprays or fumigation of the house is unnecessary. 

5.   Contagiousness         

Check the head of everyone else living in your home.  If any have scalp rashes, sores, or itching, they should be treated with the anti-lice shampoo even if lice and nits are not seen.  Your child can return to school after the first treatment with the shampoo.  Remind your child not to share combs and hats. 

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:

•       The rash and itching are not gone by 1 week after treatment. 

•       The sores start to spread or look infected. 

•       The lice and nits return. 

•       You have other questions or concerns. 

Adapted from material written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.