Infestation of head lice (pediculosis) usually starts in childcare centers and elementary schools, where children with head lice gather and unknowingly transfer these parasites to other children. Head lice can cause annoying symptoms that may disrupt everyday life, if not eliminated. Treatment of head lice should be started as soon as possible, so that the parasite does not infest others.
Step 1
Assess the level of infestation. Before initiating treatment for head lice to the infested person, check to see if other people in the house have head lice. Go over the symptoms with each family member to see if anyone else has head lice. Symptoms will include itching and a feeling of bugs moving through the hair. Sores may develop on the scalp from scratching. Since head lice move around more at night, they may contribute to sleeping problems.
Step 2
Get medicinal treatment. Go to your doctor for confirmation of your suspicion of head lice infestation and ask him for a prescription for a medicated shampoo, cream or lotion. If the product you intend to use is not the FDA-approved 5 percent Ulesfia lotion, do not use the product on children who are under 2 years old. Do not use Ulesfia on children 6 months of age and under. Do not let children treat themselves. Let an adult administer treatment. Read the product label before using any medicated product.
Step 3
Remove dead lice from the hair with a fine-tooth comb, or a comb made specifically for that purpose. Immerse all combs and hairbrushes in water that is 130 degrees F and over for 10 minutes to kill the lice in these hair tools. Clean everything the infested person came in contact with two days before initiating treatment. Use water that is 130 degrees F and over to machine wash items such as clothes, bedding and other fabrics, and dry in the dryer using a high setting. Enclose cloth items in an airtight plastic bag for 14 days, or have them dry cleaned, if it is recommended you not wash them in water. Vacuum all floors and any furniture that may be infested with head lice.
Step 4
Tell your children not to come in close contact with other children, especially at school, camp or anywhere where children gather. Tell children that they should not share items such as coats, hats, scarves, hair accessories, hairbrushes or combs. Avoid contact with anything that has been in contact with a person with head lice.
Tips and Warnings
- Call your doctor if live head lice are still present after treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Medication
- Comb
