What should a pregnant woman do about lice? - briefly
Consult a healthcare provider before employing any lice remedy; safe measures include careful manual removal and prescription‑approved topical agents such as permethrin 1 % applied under medical supervision. Avoid over‑the‑counter products that lack established safety data for pregnancy.
What should a pregnant woman do about lice? - in detail
Lice infestations during pregnancy require safe, effective measures that protect both the mother and the developing fetus.
First‑line approach involves thorough mechanical removal. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Comb from scalp to tips, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat the process every two to three days for at least two weeks to capture newly hatched nits.
If mechanical methods prove insufficient, consider topical treatments approved for use in pregnancy. Permethrin 1 % cream rinse is classified as pregnancy‑category C but has extensive safety data; apply to damp hair, leave for ten minutes, then rinse. Avoid repeated applications within a week to reduce systemic exposure.
Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion offers an alternative without neurotoxic risk. Apply to dry hair, leave for ten minutes, then wash out. Do not exceed the recommended three‑day treatment course.
Oral medications such as ivermectin are contraindicated; refrain from systemic lice therapy until after delivery.
Environmental control limits re‑infestation. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture; discard vacuum bags promptly.
Preventive practices reduce future risk. Advise regular inspection of hair, especially after close contact with children or crowded settings. Encourage avoidance of sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories.
In summary, a pregnant individual should:
- Perform diligent nit combing every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- Use permethrin 1 % or benzyl‑alcohol 5 % topical agents, adhering to labeled durations and limiting repeat use.
- Exclude oral lice medications until postpartum.
- Launder or isolate personal items, and clean living spaces thoroughly.
- Implement routine hair checks and avoid sharing personal hair items.
These steps address the infestation while minimizing potential harm to the pregnancy.