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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Head Lice - Brief Version
What is head lice?
Head lice live only on human beings. They can be spread
quickly by using the hat, comb, or brush of an infected
person. The nits (eggs) normally hatch into lice within
1 week. Your child probably has lice if:
- The nits (white eggs) are firmly attached to hairs.
Unlike dandruff, nits can't be shaken off.
- They are gray bugs (lice) about 1/16 inch long, move
quickly, and are difficult to see.
- Your child's scalp itches and has a rash.
How can I take care of my child?
- Anti-lice shampoo. Buy an anti-lice shampoo. Follow
the directions. Most must be used on dry hair. Pour about
2 ounces of the anti-lice shampoo into the hair. Add a
little warm water to work up a lather. Scrub the hair
and scalp for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse the hair
thoroughly. These shampoos kill both the lice and the
nits. Repeat the shampoo again in 1 week.
- Removing nits. Remove the nits by combing the hair with
a fine-tooth comb or pull them out individually. The
nits can be loosened by applying a mixture of half
vinegar and half water.
- Cleaning the house. Lice can't live more than 24 hours
off the human body. Vacuum your child's room. Soak
combs and brushes 1 hour in a solution made from the
anti-lice shampoo. Wash your child's sheets and
pillowcases in hot water. Items that can't be washed
(hats or coats) can be sealed in plastic bags for 2 weeks
(the longest that nits can survive).
- Contagiousness. Check the heads of everyone living in
your home. Treat anyone who has scalp rashes, sores, or
itching. Your child can return to school after the first
treatment with the shampoo.
Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
- The rash and itching are not gone by 1 week after
treatment.
- The sores start to spread or look infected.
- The lice and nits return.
- You have other questions or concerns.
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