Head Lice

Eimear Nee, the Allcare Pharmacy trainer, discusses Head lice symptoms, how to check for them and the treatment options available!

Head lice are a common problem, especially for kids. They spread easily from person to person, and sometimes are tough to get rid of. Their bites can make a child's scalp itchy and irritated, and scratching can lead to infection.

Head lice are annoying, but they are not dangerous and they don't spread disease It is best to treat them right away to prevent them from spreading.

What are the signs & symptoms of Head Lice?

Even though they are tiny, you can see head lice. Here's what to look for:

• Lice eggs (nits): These look like tiny yellow, tan, or brown dots before they hatch. Lice lay nits on hair shafts close to the scalp, where the temperature is perfect for keeping warm until they hatch. Nits look a bit like dandruff but are not removed by brushing or shaking them off.
  
  Unless a child has many head lice, it is more common to see nits in the hair than live lice crawling on the scalp. Lice eggs hatch 1–2 weeks after they are laid. After hatching, the remaining shell looks white or clear and stays attached to the hair shaft. This is when it is easiest to spot them, as the hair is growing longer and the egg shell is moving away from the scalp
• Scratching: With lice bites come itching and scratching. This is due to a reaction to the saliva of lice, but the itching does not always start right away. It depends on how sensitive a child's skin is to the lice.
• Small red bumps or sores from scratching: Some kids have mild irritation from scratching, while others may get a rash. Scratching a lot can lead to a bacterial infection. Watch for swollen lymph nodes (glands) on the back or front of the neck, and red, tender skin that might have crusting and oozing. Doctors can treat a skin infection with an antibiotic.

How do I check for lice?

Look for lice and nits on the scalp, behind the ears, and around the nape of the neck. It's rare for lice to be in eyelashes or eyebrows.

Look for nits attached to the hair near the scalp. They can look like dandruff or dirt. To tell them apart, pull on the little speck with your fingers — dandruff and dirt can be removed, but nits stay stuck. A magnifying glass and a bright light can help with your inspection.

The best way to check is by using a fine-tooth comb on wet hair. After applying lots of conditioner, comb the hair out in very small sections, and look for lice or nits on the comb. You can wipe the comb onto a tissue or paper towel where it will be easier to see them. 

How are head lice treated?

The two main ways to treat lice are:

• Medicated shampoos, cream rinses, and lotions are available that kill lice. These may be over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medicines. If you buy OTC, be sure it is safe for your child's age. While some OTC shampoos are safe for kids as young as 2 months, others are safe only for kids 2 years and older. Whether the medicine is OTC or prescription, always follow the directions closely. Applying too much can be harmful, while applying too little won't work. Ask your Allcare Pharmacist for advice.
• Removing by hand:To do this, use a fine-tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair every 3–4 days for 3 weeks after the last live louse was seen. Wetting the hair temporarily stops the lice from moving, and the conditioner makes it easier to get a comb through the hair.

Are head lice contagious?

Head lice spread quickly from person to person, especially in group settings like schools, childcare facilities, sports activities, and camps.

They can't fly or jump, but they have claws that let them crawl and cling to hair. They spread through head-to-head contact, and sharing clothing, bed linens, combs, brushes, and hats.

Pets can't catch head lice and pass them on to people or the other way around.

Can we prevent head lice?

To get rid of head lice and their eggs, and to help prevent them from coming back:

• Wash all bed linens, stuffed animals, and clothing used during the 2 days before treatment (any lice that fell off before that will not be alive). Wash in very hot water, then put them in the hot cycle of the dryer for at least 20 minutes.
• Soak hair-care items like combs, hair ties or bands, headbands, and brushes in hot water or throw them away. Tell kids not to share these items.
• Because lice easily pass from person to person in the same house, check all family members. Treat everyone who has lice, so they won't pass it back and forth.
• Every 3 or 4 days, check kids who had close contact with a person who has lice. Then, treat any who have lice or nits close to the scalp.

Ask your Allcare Pharmacist for advice on which treatment is best for you.