Head Lice What are head lice? One telltale sign of head lice is a persistent itching of the scalp, which is sometimes The head is an that can infest accompanied by infected scratch marks or people. These tiny (about 1/8” long) what appears to be a rash. make their home in and feed on . Head lice multiply rapidly, laying small If you have questions about the diagnosis of greyish-colored, oval-shaped (called nits) head lice, call your doctor. which they glue to the base of the hair, close to the scalp. Head lice are not known to How do you treat head lice? spread disease. The recommended treatment includes using either an over-the-counter (OTC) or Who can get head lice? prescription medicated (lice-killing) product. Anyone can get head lice. They are not a sign Effective head lice treatments include of being dirty. Most people don’t know they products such as: are infested until they see the nits or lice. They ▪ “Nix,” a cream rinse product available OTC are found throughout the world, most which contains , a synthetic commonly on children. insecticide ▪ Many brands of pyrethrin-based shampoo How does a head lice products (“Rid,” “R&C,” “Triple-X,” etc.) occur? which are also available OTC ▪ “Ovide,” a prescription drug containing Head lice have no wings and do not or . jump, but they can crawl or run through hair With all of these products, the lice are often quickly. Most commonly, head lice are spread killed with one treatment; however, a second by direct head-to-head contact with an treatment seven to 10 days later is often infested person. They may also be spread by necessary to ensure all of the nits are killed. sharing personal items such as combs, Because of increasing numbers of reports of brushes, other hair-care items, towels, pillows, treatment failure with the OTC products, make hats, and other head coverings. Dogs, cats, sure to carefully follow all the instructions on and other pets do not spread head lice. the product label and talk to your health care provider if lice persist. Additional prescription What are the signs of a head alternatives are available. lice infestation? Look closely for nits along the hairline at the What are some examples of back of the head and neck and behind the alternative treatments? ears. Nits should not be confused with an Many alternatives to OTC or prescription head accumulation of hair spray, hair gels, or lice control products have been suggested. dandruff, which can be easily flicked off the Although there is little scientific information to hair; nits cannot because they are firmly support these methods, successful treatment attached to individual . HEAD LICE

has been reported using several alternative Cleaning efforts should happen on the day of treatments when conventional treatments the first lice treatment and whenever live lice haven’t worked, or when there is a concern are found on the patient’s head. Focus on about the toxicity of using head lice control cleaning areas and items the infested person products repeatedly. The Minnesota had contact with 48 hours before treatment. Department of Health cannot recommend these treatments without further evidence of How do you prevent a head their effectiveness. However, we feel it is important to mention some of the more lice infestation? commonly used methods. Parents are encouraged to check their The alternative treatments listed below are children’s heads for lice on a regular basis referred to as suffocants. When applied, the throughout the year. Families should not treatment may suffocate and/or create a depend on someone else to check a child’s habitat unfavorable to the head lice. head – this may delay treatment. Remember, if one person in a family, camp, or school has ▪ Petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) head lice, there’s a chance others will too. ▪ Mayonnaise Check everyone, and use the same treatment ▪ Oil (e.g. vegetable, olive, or mineral) if necessary. Treating people without lice or Manual removal of lice and nits by parents or nits is not recommended. professional services may be an effective supplement or alternative to OTC and How should schools control prescription treatments. head lice? Schools should encourage parents to check How should you clean up the their children regularly for lice at home. Wide- environment? spread head lice screening efforts by schools Head lice cannot survive off the human body have not been shown to be effective. for more than two days. They do not When a case of head lice is suspected, parents reproduce off the body. They do not live on should be advised at the end of the day to pets. Any nits that fall off the head will not check their children for lice and treat them if hatch or reattach. While most head lice an infestation is found. Children with head lice control should focus on treating infested can go to school. people, some simple things can be done in the environment: ▪ Wash bedding in hot water (above 130° F) Minnesota Department of Health and dry in a hot dryer. Wash and dry Vectorborne Diseases Unit PO Box 64975 recently worn clothing (including coats, St. Paul, MN 55164 caps, and scarves) in hot temperatures. 651-201-5414 ▪ Clean combs, brushes and similar items by www.health.state.mn.us heating in water of at least 130° F for 10 minutes. ▪ Clean floors, carpeting, and furniture by 1/31/2018 thorough vacuuming only. The use of To obtain this information in a different format, call: insecticide sprays is not recommended. 651-201-5414. Printed on recycled paper. 2