Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
My child has head lice. I don't. Should I treat myself to prevent being infested?
No. Although anyone living with an infested person can get head lice, you don't
need to be treated. Check household contacts for lice and nits every two to
three days. Treat if lice and nits are found.
Should my pets be treated for head lice?
No. Head lice do not live on pets.
My child is under 2 years of age and has been diagnosed with head
lice. Can I treat with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?
No. For children under 2 years old, remove nits, nymphs (immature adult lice), and adult lice by hand, and see your health-care professional.
What OTC medications are available to treat head lice?
Many head lice medicines are available at your local drug store.
Each OTC product usually contains one of the following active ingredients:
Pyrethrins (often combined with Piperonyl butoxide, in brand name products: A-200, Pronto,
R&C, RID, Triple X): Pyrethrins are natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower. Though safe and effective, pyrethrins only kill crawling lice, not unhatched nits. A second treatment is recommended in
seven to 10 days to kill any
newly hatched lice. Treatment failures are common.
Permethrins (NIX): Permethrins are similar to
natural pyrethrins. Permethrins are
safe and effective and may continue to kill newly hatched eggs for
several days after treatment. A second treatment may be needed in seven to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. Treatment failures are
common.
What is the prescription drug used to treat head lice?
Lindane shampoo (formally known as Kwell) is a prescription drug and is one of the most common treatments for head lice. When used as directed, the drug is probably safe. Overuse, misuse, or accidentally swallowing Lindane can be toxic to the brain and nervous system, and because of this, only a single application is recommended.
Malathion (Ovide) is another prescription drug that has
recently been recommended as a first-line agent for the treatment of head lice.
It is a combination drug and is mixed with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and terpineol (a naturally occurring tea tree oil extract), both of which have been
shown to have some ability to kill lice. When used as directed, it is considered
safe and has been available over the counter for many years in other countries
such as the United Kingdom.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Acne rosacea, Staphylococcal bacteria, allergies, sensitivities to makeup or contact lens solutions, head lice, or other conditions may cause blepharitis. Symptoms and signs include itchy eyelids, burning sensation in the eyes, crusting of the eyelids, light sensitivity, red, swollen eyelids, loss of eyelashes, and dandruff of the lashes and eyebrows. Proper eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine controls blepharitis.
Children's health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of children's health, including growth and development, illnesses, injuries, behavior, mental illness, family health and community health.
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