Headlice

Question 1

Head lice - key symptoms (3)

Answer 1

Itchy scalp (allergic response to saliva)
White eggs in hair
Presence of live lice

Question 2

Head lice - extra questions (1)

Answer 2

Any close contacts also experienced this

Question 3

Head lice - explanation of diagnosis

Answer 3

Small insect infection in the hair, very amongst young children due to school, transmitted by head to head contact

Question 4

Head lice - risk factors (1)

Answer 4

School-age children, mainly girls

Question 5

Head lice - state 4 treatment options

Answer 5

Wet combing (BugBuster kit)
Dry combing
Dimeticone spray/gel (Hedrin)
Malathion (Derbac M)

Question 6

Head lice - explain wet combing

Answer 6

Wash hair wiht shampoo
Apply generous amount of conditioner (immobilises lice) and brush hair
Use detection comb from scalp to tip of each section of hair
Wipe and rinse comb after each pass
Repeat
3-4 times over 2 weeks

Question 7

Head lice - explain Hedrin (how it works, how to use it, cautionary info)

Answer 7

Contains dimeticone, a physical insectiside that works to suffocate the live lice but not the eggs
Apply all over dry hair and leave for 8 hours (check product)
Rinse out
Repeat 7 days later to kills hatched eggs
Fire hazard

Question 8

Head lice - explain Derbac M (how it works, how to use it)

Answer 8

Contains Malathion, chemical insectiside that poisons lice
Apply all over dry hair for 12 hours
Rinse out
Repeat 7 days later

Question 9

Head lice - lifestyle (7)

Answer 9

Continue to attend school
Reassure that it isn’t due to dirty hair
No need to wash bedding or clothes
Treat household on the same day if present to avoid reinfection
Examine hair regularly
Avoid “repellent” products
Ensure proper treatment