What should be done for lice infestations and where should one seek help? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion as directed, repeat the treatment after seven days, and launder clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water. Seek assistance from a primary‑care physician, school health service, or local public‑health clinic.
What should be done for lice infestations and where should one seek help? - in detail
Lice infestation, medically termed pediculosis, involves the presence of head‑lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) on the scalp and hair shafts. Early detection relies on visual inspection of hair near the scalp, focusing on the nape, behind the ears, and crown region. The presence of live lice or viable nits attached within 1 cm of the scalp confirms the condition.
Recommended actions include:
- Separate the affected individual from close contact with others until treatment begins.
- Comb wet hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb, moving from scalp to tip in short sections; repeat every 2–3 days for at least two weeks.
- Apply an approved pediculicide according to label instructions; options comprise permethrin 1 % lotion, pyrethrin‑based products, or, when resistance is suspected, prescription‑only agents such as malathion or ivermectin.
- After chemical treatment, repeat the combing process to eliminate newly hatched nymphs and residual nits.
- Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat; non‑washable items may be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
Professional assistance should be sought when:
- Over‑the‑counter products fail to eradicate the infestation after two complete treatment cycles.
- Severe itching or secondary skin infection develops.
- The individual is a child in a school setting, prompting notification of school health personnel.
- Pregnancy, allergy to insecticides, or underlying dermatological conditions exist, necessitating medical evaluation.
Medical resources include:
- Primary‑care physicians or pediatricians, who can prescribe stronger topical agents and assess for complications.
- Dermatologists, for cases resistant to standard therapy or presenting atypical symptoms.
- School nurses, who provide guidance on school‑wide policies and coordinate notifications.
- Local public‑health departments, offering community‑based education and, in some jurisdictions, free treatment kits.
Follow‑up entails re‑inspection of the scalp 7 days after the final application and again at 14 days to confirm eradication. Preventive measures encompass regular hair checks, avoidance of sharing combs or hats, and maintaining personal hygiene practices without reliance on excessive shampooing, which does not affect lice survival.