Head Lice: What are they and what can parents do?

2008 March 12 by: Scott

Do head lice cause harm?

Head lice rarely (if ever) cause direct harm, and they are not known to transmit infectious agents from person-to-person. Thus, they should not be considered as a medical or a public health problem. These lice may occasionally be burdensome because of annoyance; their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. The louse’s saliva and feces may sensitize people to their bites, thereby exacerbating the irritation and increasing the chance of secondary infection from excessive scratching.

The greatest harm associated with head lice results from the well-intentioned but misguided use of caustic or toxic substances to eliminate the lice. A few lice on the head should not cause alarm; rather, they present an opportunity for parents to spend the needed time with their children in order to find and remove the offending insects. Grooming can be an effective method to remove lice, and engenders several associated physiological and behavioral benefits as well. Because of unfounded fears, some parents have suggested that children refrain from sharing protective batting or biking helmets. The miniscule risk of acquiring lice from such devices pales in comparison to the hazards averted by helmets.

Head Lice Treatments

Your child’s doctor can recommend a medicated shampoo, cream, or lotion to kill the lice. These may be over-the-counter or prescription medications, depending on what treatments have already been tried. It isn’t uncommon for treatments to be unsuccessful because of incorrect use or because the lice may be resistant to the chemical in the shampoo.

It’s important to follow the directions exactly because these products are insecticides. Applying these medications too much or too frequently can increase the risk of causing harm. Following the directions on the product label is also important to ensure that the treatment works properly. Your child’s doctor may also suggest a special rinse to use on your child’s hair that makes it easier to comb out the nits using a fine-tooth comb.

Medicated lice treatments can usually kill the lice and nits, but it may take a few days for the itching to stop. Your child’s doctor may recommend repeating treatment in 7 to 10 days to make sure all the nits have been killed, to avoid any risk of re-infestation.

If your child is 2 years old or under, you should not use medicated lice treatments. You’ll need to remove the nits and lice by hand.

It’s also a good idea to use a fine-tooth comb on your child’s hair after regular shampooing every 3 to 4 days for 2 weeks. Wetting the hair beforehand is recommended because it temporarily immobilizes the lice and they become easier to comb out.