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Medical Author:

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

David Perlstein, MD, MBA, FAAP

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.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

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.

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In this Article

• Head lice facts
• What are head lice?
• How common is head lice infestation?
• Who is at risk for getting head lice?
• How in the world does a child get head lice?
• What do head lice look like?
• Where are head lice most commonly found?
• What are the signs and symptoms of head lice infestation?
• How is a head lice infestation diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for a head lice infestation (pediculosis)?
• My child has head lice. I don't. Should I treat myself to prevent being infested?
• Should my pets be treated for head lice?
• My child is under 2 years of age and has been diagnosed with head lice. Can I treat my child with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?
• What OTC medications are available to treat head lice?
• What is the prescription drug used to treat head lice?
• Are any home remedies effective at getting rid of head lice?
• Which head lice medicine is best for me?
• What are the rules with head lice medicines?
• How can I prevent head lice?
• Should household sprays be used to kill adult lice?
• Should I have a pest-control company spray my house?
• What is the prognosis of a head lice infestation?
• Patient Comments: Head Lice - Treatments
• Patient Comments: Head Lice - Symptoms
• Patient Comments: Head Lice - Describe Your Experience
• Head Lice Index

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.

No. Head lice do not live on pets.

No. For children under 2 years old, remove nits, nymphs (immature adult lice), and adult lice by hand, and see your health care professional.

Many head lice medicines are available at your local drugstore. Each OTC product usually contains one of the following active ingredients:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Dimethicones (silicone oils, Hedrin, NYDA) coat surfaces and act as a physical barrier asphyxiating the louse and have been shown to be variably effective in studies depending upon the formulation.