Head Lice

Question 1

What is the name of head lice?

Answer 1

The parasitic insect Pediculus capitis

Question 2

How do you diagnose head lice?

Answer 2

Fine-toothed combing of wet or dry hair

Question 3

How do you manage head lice?

Answer 3

• Treatment is only if living lice are found
• A choice of treatments should be offered:
  
  • Malathion 0.5% aqueous liquid:
  • Wet combing
  • Dimeticone 4% lotion (Hedrin® lotion)
  • Full Marks Solution®:Isopropyl myristate & Cyclomethicone
    
    • ​It is not suitable for children younger than 2 years of age or for people with skin conditions.

Question 4

Do school children need to be excluded from school with head lice?

Answer 4

No