Head Lice (cont.)
In this Article
What about non pharmacologic approaches?
Occlusion therapy, nit combing, and
hair removal have not been proven to be effective in completely eradicating head
lice.
Home remedies that have been tried include vinegar, mayonnaise, petroleum jelly,
olive oil, butter, rubbing alcohol, and prolonged water submersion. These all
fail to eliminate infestation, because these therapies do not kill all of the
eggs or lice. This is believed due to the specialized way the parasite
"breathes."
Hair removal has never been proven to be effective, but since the louse requires
a hair shaft to lay its eggs, it should prevent the lice from multiplying. This
is not always considered a desirable option for many children.
Which head lice medicine is best for me?
If you are unsure, please consult with your pharmacist or health-care practitioner.
What are the rules with head lice medicines?
When using head lice medicine, as with any medicine, always follow the instructions provided.
When treating head lice,
- do not use extra amounts of the lice medication,
- do not treat the infested person more than two times with the same medication
(if it does not seem to work,
see your health-care practitioner), and
- do not mix head-lice medications.
Should household sprays be used to kill adult lice?
No. Spraying the house is not recommended. Fumigants and room
sprays can be toxic if inhaled.
Should I have a pest-control company spray my house?
No. Vacuuming floors and furniture is sufficient to treat the house.
This
article is based in part upon information from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
- Head lice are insect parasites that are found on human heads. The word
lice is plural for louse.
- Head lice are spread by personal contact or the sharing of combs, brushes, caps, and other clothing.
- Head lice are a common problem with preschool and schoolchildren.
- Head lice cause a tickling feeling of something moving in the hair, itching, and sores on the head.
- The affected individual, family members also infected, and the home all should be treated.
- Remember: one head louse + one head louse = two head lice = the beginning of a head-lice infection.
- Very young children should be evaluated by a health-care professional before beginning medications.
Last Editorial Review: 12/14/2007
- Over-The-Counter Products -
- Hair Removal - There are several ways to remove your unwanted hair with varied results, including shaving, plucking, depilation, waxing, laser, and electrolysis.
- Itching - Learn the causes and treatments for itching (itch). Dry skin, fungus, sunburn and bites may cause itching. Excessive scratching may lead to thickened skin (lichenification).
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