Headlice Flashcards
What are 4 symptoms of headlice?
- Itchy scalp.
- Visible moving lice
- Small, pale eggs stuck to the bases of hair strands
- Skin sores on the scalp, caused by scratching
Does headlice require a counselling room?
Yes
What are 3 referral points with headlice?
- Unclear diagnosis
- Signs of secondary infection
- Topical treatment has failed which was not due to incorrect application or re-infestation
Does headlice have a PSA self-care card?
Yes (Head Lice)
What is the preferred treatment option for headlice?
Hedrin 15 (Dimethicone 4%)
What are the directions for Hedrin 15 (Dimethicone 4%) in headlice?
Adult and Children over 6 months: Apply to dry hair, ensuring it is completely covered from scalp to tip. Leave on for 15 minutes, then use a fine-tooth comb to remove eggs and dead lice, then rinse out with water. Repeat after 7 days.
What are 3 non-preferred options for headlice and why?
- KP-24 Lotion/Shampoo (Maldison): prone to resistance, unsafe in pregnancy
- Banlice Mousse/Aerosol Spray (Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide): prone to resistance, unsafe in pregnancy
- Tea Tree Oil: questionable efficacy
Is Hedrin 15 (Dimethicone 4%) safe in pregnancy?
Yes
Is Hedrin 15 (Dimethicone 4%) safe in breastfeeding?
Yes
What is the age range for Hedrin 15 (Dimethicone 4%)?
Safe in infants over 6 months
What are 10 pieces of non-pharmacological advice for headlice?
- Check other family members for head lice. Treat only if live lice are found
- Use gloves when handling the products or wash hands thoroughly afterwards
- Apply treatment to hair without conditioner or hair products in it
- Ensure to repeat the application after 7 days
- Do not use hair dryer to dry hair after insecticide treatment because the heat can inactivate the drug
- This is a treatment not a prevention. Overuse can lead to irritation and resistant lice
- Soak combs and hairbrushes in hot water (>60°C) for 30 seconds and wash pillowcases in hot water or put in a clothes dryer for 15 minutes.
- Items that cannot be washed should be placed in airtight bags for 3-4 days.
- Avoid sharing hats, combs or towels
- Children can be sent back to school after the first successful treatment.
Does Itching or the presence of eggs (nits) indicate active infestation with lice?
Not necessarily.
What is the most effective method to find moving lice?
Wet combing is better than visual inspection
What must be done to confirm infestation with headlice?
Moving lice must be found to confirm infestation
How can you tell viable lice eggs from empty casings/dead eggs?
Eggs >1 cm from scalp are empty casings or dead. Viable eggs are close to scalp(~6mm) and pop when squashed between fingers
