How to Treat Lice Bites

Lice are tiny insects that feed on blood. If you suspect that head lice are the cause of your scalp's itchiness, here's what you can do to treat the bites.

Instructions

1. Identify that lice are your problem. You'll be looking for tiny, white-clear insects that are visible on the scalp and the hair shaft.

2. Look for visible nits close to the scalp. Nits are lice eggs, both unhatched and hatched.

3. Treat the lice by using a medicated shampoo, which can be purchased over the counter at a local pharmacy.

4. Enlist someone's help to comb out the lice and nits with a fine-toothed comb. (Do this after shampooing every few days for two weeks.)

5. Consider an oral antihistamine to reduce the reaction that your body is having to the bites.

Tips & Warnings

• When you're looking for lice, check the hair behind the ears and at the hairline on the neck; they are easiest to see in these locations.

• Always use lice-treatment shampoos carefully, making it a point to read and follow the packaging directions.

• Lice can recur, so be sure to double-check that the treatment is working.