Head Lice

Question 1

Symptoms of head lice?

Answer 1

Itching due to irritation caused by lice biting scalp.
Visible lice (size of sesame seed) or little white eggshells.

Question 2

How is lice passed?

Answer 2

Through close contact, from hair to hair

Question 3

How should suspected headlice be managed?

Answer 3

1. Wetcombing using nit combs - every 4 days for 2 weeks. Used to diagnose lice.
2. Solution such as Derbac or Full Marks - contain chemicals such as dimeticone or isopropyl myristate which coat the lice and stop it secreting water. Can also coat the eggs/nits and suffocate them. Apply then wet comb through to remove.

All family members should be checked and treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.

Question 4

How should you counsel someone to wet comb for checking and removal of lice and nits?

Answer 4

Day1:
1. Wash hair with normal shampoo
2. Apply large amounts of conditioner
3. Comb the whole head from roots to ends with nit comb.

Repeat this on day 5, 9, and 13, to catch any newly hatched lice. Check again on dAY 17.