What treatments are used for lice in hospitals? - briefly
Hospitals treat pediculosis mainly with topical pediculicides—commonly 1 % permethrin lotion or 0.5 % malathion—alongside laundering of clothing and bedding. For resistant infestations, oral ivermectin is prescribed under medical supervision.
What treatments are used for lice in hospitals? - in detail
Hospital environments treat lice infestations with a combination of pharmacologic agents, mechanical removal techniques, and environmental controls.
Pharmacologic options focus on topical pediculicides applied to the scalp or hair. Commonly used preparations include:
- 1% permethrin lotion, applied for ten minutes and repeated after 7–10 days.
- 0.5% pyrethrin‑piperonyl‑butoxide spray, used similarly to permethrin.
- 0.5% malathion oil, left on the scalp for 8–12 hours before washing.
- 5% benzyl alcohol lotion, applied for 10 minutes, effective against nymphs and adults.
- 0.1% ivermectin lotion, applied for 10 minutes, useful for resistant strains.
- 0.9% spinosad suspension, left on the scalp for 10 minutes, indicated for resistant cases.
All agents are administered under supervision to ensure correct dosage, exposure time, and to monitor adverse reactions. Dosage guidelines follow FDA‑approved labeling, adjusted for patient age and weight.
Mechanical methods complement chemical treatment. Wet combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb removes live lice and eggs; repeated sessions over 2–3 weeks are required. In severe cases, heated air devices desiccate lice without chemicals. For infants or patients with contraindications to topical agents, manual removal under magnification is preferred.
Environmental decontamination reduces re‑infestation risk. Protocols require:
- Washing bedding, clothing, and towels at ≥60 °C or using a sealed‑bag approach for 72 hours.
- Vacuuming mattresses, carpets, and upholstery.
- Isolating affected patients in single rooms until treatment completion, with staff using protective gowns and gloves during application.
Resistance monitoring is integral. Hospitals routinely collect lice samples for bioassay testing; if resistance to permethrin or pyrethrins is detected, alternative agents such as ivermectin or spinosad are employed.
Pediatric guidelines limit the use of malathion and benzyl alcohol in children under 2 years, favoring permethrin or ivermectin formulations approved for that age group. Adult protocols permit broader agent selection, with attention to comorbidities that may affect drug safety.
Overall, successful management combines accurate diagnosis, appropriate topical medication, diligent mechanical removal, and strict environmental hygiene, ensuring rapid resolution and preventing outbreak propagation within the facility.