What should you do if a pregnant woman has lice?

What should you do if a pregnant woman has lice? - briefly

Consult a healthcare professional for a pregnancy‑safe lice product such as a permethrin‑based shampoo and follow the prescribed application instructions. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum the living area to eliminate remaining insects and eggs.

What should you do if a pregnant woman has lice? - in detail

When a pregnant patient discovers head‑lice infestation, immediate, safe action is essential. Follow these steps:

1. Confirm the problem – Examine the scalp and hair for live lice and nits attached close to the scalp. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb under bright light.

2. Choose a pregnancy‑compatible treatment

   • Permethrin 1 % shampoo or lotion – Apply to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse. This topical insecticide is classified as Category C but is widely regarded as safe during pregnancy when used as directed.
   • Pyrethrin‑based products – Similar to permethrin, these are also acceptable. Avoid formulations containing additional chemicals such as piperonyl butoxide.
   • Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion (Ulesfia) – Prescription‑only, FDA‑approved for lice in pregnant women; apply to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse.

   Do not use malathion, spinosad, or ivermectin, as safety data for fetal exposure are insufficient.

3. Mechanical removal – After chemical treatment, comb the hair with a fine nit comb at 2‑day intervals for at least 10 days to eliminate remaining nits. This reduces reliance on repeated chemical applications.

4. Treat the environment –

   • Wash all recently worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat.
   • Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
   • Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.

5. Repeat treatment – Perform a second application of the chosen pediculicide after 7–10 days to target any newly hatched lice that survived the first round.

6. Monitor and follow up – Inspect the scalp weekly for at least one month. If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare provider for possible prescription options or alternative strategies.

7. Prevent future infestations – Advise against sharing combs, hats, pillows, and close head‑to‑head contact with infected individuals. Encourage regular hair checks in households with school‑aged children.

By adhering to these evidence‑based measures, a pregnant individual can effectively eliminate head lice while minimizing risk to the developing fetus.