How to treat lice bites? - briefly
Clean the area with mild soap and water, then apply a topical antihistamine or corticosteroid cream to alleviate itching and inflammation; if signs of infection appear, use an over‑the‑counter antibiotic ointment and seek medical advice.
How to treat lice bites? - in detail
Lice bites cause itching, redness, and sometimes small pustules. Effective management combines immediate symptom relief, prevention of secondary infection, and strategies to stop further bites.
First, cleanse the affected skin. Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance‑free cleanser to remove saliva and debris. Pat dry with a clean towel; avoid rubbing, which can worsen irritation.
Second, apply a topical anti‑itch agent. Options include:
- 1 % hydrocortisone cream, applied thinly 2–3 times daily for up to 7 days.
- Calamine lotion, applied as needed to soothe.
- Pramoxine or benzocaine gels, for rapid numbness.
Third, consider oral antihistamines for widespread itching, such as cetirizine 10 mg once daily or diphenhydramine 25 mg at bedtime, especially in children over 6 months.
Fourth, monitor for infection. If lesions become warm, swollen, or produce pus, introduce a topical antibiotic (e.g., mupirocin 2 % ointment) or seek medical evaluation for systemic therapy.
Fifth, reduce the likelihood of new bites. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat. For items that cannot be laundered, seal them in airtight plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture thoroughly, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister.
Finally, address the source of the lice. Treat the head or body infestation with an appropriate pediculicide (e.g., 1 % permethrin lotion) according to manufacturer instructions, and repeat treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched nits.
By following these steps—cleaning, symptom control, infection prevention, environmental decontamination, and eradication of the insects—itching and skin lesions can be resolved quickly and recurrence minimized.