Head Lice

Question 1

What is Head Lice

Answer 1

• live lice detected by fine-tooth combing
• Nits lice eggs stuck in hair
• itchy scalp

Question 2

What are the 2 products over the counter used for head lice

Answer 2

• Dimeticone (Hedrin)
  — traps and suffocates lice
• Permethrin (Lyclear)/ Malathion (Derbac)
  — insecticide

2 applications 7 days apart to treat lice

Question 3

What are the 2 types of formulations you can have

Answer 3

• Alcoholic preparations (more effective)
  — avoid in asthma and eczema
• Lotions/Liquids for 8 to 12 hours over night
  — avoid shampoo, it is diluted too much to be effective

Question 4

Head Lice advice

Answer 4

• do not use insecticides for preventions (as it accelerates resistance)
• treat all affected at the the same time
• combing regularly to see if treatment is working

Question 5

Wet combing Method (Advice)

Answer 5

• wash hair with shampoo and conditioner
• use a 0.2 to 0.3 mm comb
• every 4 days for at least 2 weeks until no lice are found