ASK
THE
September is
Head Lice Prevention Month Prepared by: Lindsay R. Bell, PharmD(when PharmD candidate) Jennifer Cerulli, Pharmacist, Four Corners Pharmacy
Going back to school unfortunately means exposing your children to ailments like colds, pink eye and the dreaded pediculus humanus capitis, more commonly known as head lice. Head lice affects an estimated ten million people each year in the United States and is most prevalent among children between the ages of three and twelve. Although head lice can occur during any time of the year, the peak times for outbreaks are between August and November. Head lice can be transmitted through direct contact with an infested individual or a contaminated object like a hairbrush, hat or towel.
What over the counter treatment options are available to treat lice? Several over the counter treatment options for lice are available which contain permethrins and synergized pyrethrins. Both are effective at killing lice and nits having a low risk of adverse effects. It is essential that you follow the directions present on the label for these products; some products go on dry hair while some products need to be applied to wet hair. Some must be repeated after 7-10 days, others require a second application only if active lice are still seen. After use of any of these products, hair should be combed through with a lice comb to remove all the nits. Who should NOT use over the counter treatments for lice? Common over the counter treatments for lice contain permethrins and synergized pyrethrins. Some of these products should not be used in people with known allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums or pyrethrins. Talk with your doctor if the patient is less than 2 years of age, if the lice infestation is in the eyebrows or eyelids, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
True or False? Lice can jump and fly from one person to another. Answer: False—Lice do not have wings, and therefore they cannot jump or fly. Their back legs are used only to “glue” themselves to the hair shafts. Lice are spread from person-to-person contact or from objects that people share. For this reason, people should not share hairbrushes, combs, hats, towels, or headphones. If someone in my family has lice, we all need to be treated. Answer: False—Unless active lice are spotted on the scalp, the use of medications is not recommended. Overusing medications makes them less effective and can pose problems down the road when someone really needs treatment. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention information indicates that some experts recommend treating family members without seeing active lice only if they share a bed with a family member who does have active lice. If someone in my family has lice, my pet or pets should be treated. Answer: False—Lice require human blood to live. Therefore, human lice cannot survive on pets, and pets do not need to receive treatment. My child cannot go to school or day care if he or she has head lice. Answer: True—Attending school and day care is not allowed when lice are active to avoid further spreading. Most schools require all the nits (eggs) to be removed. Check with your school nurse or day care provider for the specific details about their “no-nits” policy. How do I check for lice? Make sure to check each member of the household for lice or nits using a fine tooth comb and magnifying glass in a well lit area. Using a lice comb is recommended to remove lice and nits (eggs_. Look for nits near the scalp making sure to look at the neck and behind the ears. Nits are small white/yellow specks about the size of poppy seeds that do not move and are stuck to the hair shaft (unless dandruff that can be blown away). Adult lice will move quickly away from bright light so you’ll need to look quickly and closely. Examine small sections of hair at a time. If you’re unsure if what you’re seeing is lice, consult your physician, pharmacist or school nurse for help. 40
How do you get rid of lice on inanimate objects? Soaking combs, hairbrushes, and toys in very hot water for at least 10 minutes is recommended. Clothing and bedding should be washed in hot water (130°) and dried in the dryer in the hottest setting available to kill lice and nits. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for at least 2 weeks to stop the lice cycle. Carpet and upholstery should be vacuumed on a regular basis. What about alternative therapies for the treatment of lice? The media is full of alternative therapies like dimethicone, mayonnaise, and tea tree oil among many others. These therapies have not been proven effective for lice. How can you protect your child from head lice? The National Pediculosis Association urges families to “screen, detect, remove, protect.” Parents have an important opportunity to curb lice outbreaks before they turn into a larger problem. Resources: National Pediculosis Association at www.headlice.org. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/lice/head/index. html References available upon request.
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