Causes

Head lice can be spread by sharing bedding, hats, or combs with a person who has lice. Having lice is no longer believed to be a sign of poor hygiene.

Symptoms

A case of head lice is often mistaken for dandruff. Symptoms include itching and white nits (football-shaped eggs) on hair shafts that aren’t removed with regular shampooing.

Treatment

Over-the-counter treatments for head lice are available in two forms: shampoo or creme rinse (such as Rid or Nix). Follow directions carefully to ensure successful treatment. If you see live lice within 48 hours of treatment, start over using a different over-the-counter product. Repeat application of antilice medication within 7 to 10 days of first application.

Self-Care

• If nits are visible on the eyelashes, apply petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) with a cotton swab to eyelids twice a day for 8 days.
• Machine wash recently worn clothing, bedding, and towels in very hot water or dry in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Unwashable items or toys can be dry-cleaned, stored in tightly sealed plastic bags for 2 to 3 weeks, or placed outside in cold weather for 48 hours. Soak all combs, brushes, and hair accessories in antilice creme rinse or in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes. Vacuum floors, rugs, carpets, mattresses, and furniture, including fabric-covered car seats and headrests. Discard vacuum cleaner bags and seal tightly.

Tips for Using Antilice Creme Rinse or Shampoo

Creme Rinse

• Remove nits with a fine-tooth comb. Dip the comb into a solution of half vinegar and half rubbing alcohol and then back-comb to loosen the substance that binds the eggs to the hair shaft.
• Shampoo hair thoroughly with an abrasive shampoo, such as Prell or baby shampoo, to remove the vinegar solution.
• Towel dry hair completely to avoid diluting the medication.
• Apply 2 ounces of over-the-counter creme rinse containing 1-percent permethrin. Thoroughly massage into the scalp, where the lice live. Leave on hair for 10 minutes, then rinse well with cool water and dry. Do not wash hair for 24 hours.

Shampoo

• Apply shampoo to dry hair. Saturate completely and massage into scalp.
• Wait 10 minutes, then add water to form lather. Shampoo and rinse thoroughly with cool water.
• Hair may be difficult to comb after treatment. Use a regular shampoo and conditioner after treatment to get tangles out. (This will not reduce the effectiveness of the antilice shampoo.)
• Comb hair with a fine-tooth comb to remove lice eggs.