Head Lice(Pediculosis)DefinitionHead lice are tiny, barely visible insect-like animals (“arthropods”) that may live on the head and cause itching. ("Lice" is plural; the singular is "louse.") Head lice may also live in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard. However, sometimes infestations in these areas are from a related species called pubic lice. Head Lice Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. CausesHead lice spread by personal contact and by sharing combs, brushes, hats, and other personal items. Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors include:
SymptomsSymptoms include:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will examine your head and scalp for lice and lice eggs (called "nits"). Do not self-diagnose and self-treat head lice. Some treatments can cause irritation and should only be used by people who have the infestation. TreatmentTreating head lice involves removing eggs and killing lice so that they can't continue to lay eggs. Treatment may be difficult because in some regions lice have become resistant to many of the commonly used medicines. Some experts recommend that treatment be given only when live adult lice are seen. Methods include:
Over-the-Counter MedicationMost cases of head lice can be treated with over-the-counter preparations. However, there is increasing resistance to the medicines permethrin and pyrethrin in the United States. There are other treatments that may be effective, like herbal remedies that contain coconut oil and anise. Prescription MedicationPrescription creams or lotions that are used to treat head lice include:
In certain cases, your doctor may prescribe lindane (Kwell, Scabene). Lindane is neurotoxic and carries a black box warning. Follow the instructions carefully. It should only be prescribed to patients who are unable to take other medicines or who have not responded to them. According to the Food and Drug Administration’s warning, lindane can rarely cause serious side effects, including seizure and death. Those especially susceptible are infants, the elderly, children and adults weighing under 110 lbs, and individuals with other skin conditions. Lindane is toxic and should not be overused. Patients are given small amounts (1-2 oz) of the shampoo or lotion and instructed to apply a very thin layer and not to reapply. For more information, visit the US Food and Drug Administration website. If you or your child are diagnosed as having head lice, follow your doctor's instructions. PreventionLice are common, especially in children. While no records are kept for accurate counts, some estimates are that as many as 10-15 million persons annually develop head lice in the United States. To prevent outbreaks of head lice:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Kids Health Caring for Kids Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Network Lindane shampoo and lindane lotion. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov... . Updated June 2009. Accessed July 6, 2009. Medication guide lindane lotion. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM133687.pdf . Updated August 2007. Accessed July 6, 2009. Medication guide lindane shampoo. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM133688.pdf . Updated August 2007. Accessed July 6, 2009. National Pediculosis Association, Inc. website. Available at: http://www.headlice.org . Accessed July 6, 2009. Rapini RP. Parasitic infestations. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/education/students/parainfest.htm . Accessed July 6, 2009. Revised lindane lotion label. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.accessd... . Accessed July 6, 2009. Revised lindane shampoo label. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.accessd... . Accessed July 6, 2009. Roberts RJ. Clinical practice. Head lice. N Engl J Med . 2002;347(17):1381-1382. 12/14/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Burgess IF, Brunton ER, Burgess NA. Clinical trial showing superiority of a coconut and anise spray over permethrin 0.43% lotion for head louse infestation, ISRCTN96469780. Eur J Pediatr. 2010;169(1):55-62. 11/26/2012 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Pariser D, Meinking T, Bell M, et al. Topical 0.5% Ivermectin Lotion for Treatment of Head Lice. N Engl J Med. 2012; 367:1687. Last reviewed September 2012 by Kari Kassir, MD |
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