Head lice are a type of parasite that infest the hair and scalp of exposed humans, including pregnant women. The lice feed on blood that they gather from the scalp. An adult louse will lay eggs, called nits, that will hatch allowing nymphs, or baby lice, to perpetuate the infestation. Pregnant women exposed to lice, such as by younger children from a school infestation, will suffer itching wherever the parasites exist. Treatment is generally the same during pregnancy as it is for anyone else, but it is important to consult a health care professional to determine which medicines are safe.
Step 1
Contact a health care professional to identify which lice treatment product to use during pregnancy. Beth Nash writes in the "British Medical Journal" article "Treating Head Lice: Best Treatments" that malathion is considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Step 2
Apply the medication to dry hair. Work it into the scalp and all sections of the hair. Follow the instructions carefully, most medications recommend saturating the dry hair fully with the treatment.
Step 3
Leave the treatment on the hair as long as directed, which can range from 10 minutes to several hours.
Step 4
Comb the hair and scalp with the nit comb or a fine-tooth comb to remove dead lice and eggs from the hair. The first medication will kill lice.
Step 5
Wash the hair as directed, which usually means directly following the combing out of the hair.
Step 6
Repeat the treatment as directed, which can range from once every three days to every seven days.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent reinfection by treating all objects that have come in contact with the infested hair. This includes pillows, bedding, hats, combs, brushes, towels and other similar items. MayoClinic.com indicates hot, soapy water at least 130 degrees F followed by 20 minutes of high heat drying for all items that can be washed. Combs, brushes and other hard items can be soaked in very hot water for five to 10 minutes. Items that can't be washed can be stored for three or four days in an airtight plastic bag or container to kill the lice by depriving them of food.
- Avoid any over-the-counter lice treatment that has not been approved for use during pregnancy including permethrin or lindane, two common medications that may cause adverse effects to the unborn baby.
Things You'll Need
- Lice treatment shampoo or lotion approved by a doctor
- Gloves, latex or other similar material
- Nit comb or fine-tooth comb
- Towel
References
- " British Medical Journal"; Treating Head Lice: Best Treatments; Beth Nash; June 7, 2003
- MayoClinic.com: Head Lice
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Head Lice
- Drugs.com: Lice Treatment Gel
