How to Treat Head Lice Correctly

Children can contract lice by sharing winter hats.

Head lice are small white parasites that live on the scalp of your head and feed off small amounts of blood. The biting activity of lice causes itching and can even lead to scabbing or infection if not properly treated. According to the FDA, lice typically infest children between the ages of 3 to 11, transmitted through contact with other children carrying lice. Contracting lice is not the result of being dirty or unclean but from sharing brushes, headbands and hats with other infested children. Treating head lice requires patience, but with a little persistence you can rid your home and kids of the infestation.

Things You'll Need

• Permethrin (Nix) shampoo
• Nit comb

Instructions

1. Wash the patient's hair twice thoroughly with the Nix shampoo. Rise the product out completely and comb through the patient's hair with a larger comb to release any major tangles. Seal the larger comb in a plastic bag and throw it out after use.

2. Begin combing the patient's hair with the finely toothed nit comb. Work your way from the bottom to the top, paying extra attention to the scalp area. Wipe any residue or dead lice from the nit comb onto a paper towel and dispose of it in a plastic bag afterward. Expect a thorough combing to take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the amount of hair on the patient's head.

3. Vacuum all rugs and furniture where the patient sat or laid. Wash all bedsheets and clothing in hot soapy water and dry thoroughly. Place unwashable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks and wash afterward. Lice cannot live more than a few days without a host scalp.

4. Disinfect all combs and hair accessories by placing them in boiling water for five to ten seconds. Unless an item is particularly valuable, consider throwing it in the garbage.

5. Inspect everyone in your family for the next two weeks for any head lice to ensure you treated everything and everyone thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using pesticide containing treatments which can harm young children's skin. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment options for your family.

• For health reasons, do not spray pesticide or fumigate in your home unless told to do so by your physician.

References

• FDA: Treating Headlice
• American Academy of Family Physicians: Headlice - What they are and how to eliminate them