Headlice (Pediculosis Capitis)

Microscopic appearance of louse

Image source : https://dermnetnz.org/imagedetail/3191?copyright=&label=Louse&caption=Louse

Louse eggs (nits) in hair

Image source :https://dermnetnz.org/imagedetail/3197?copyright=&label=Eggs&caption=Eggs

Wet Combing

Wet combing is recommended in all cases, in addition to when other treatments are used.

Wet Combing has shown cure rates of 57%. 

How to wet comb

1. Wash the hair using an ordinary shampoo
2. Apply plenty of conditioner to help with straightening and detangling the hair
3. Straighten and detangle the wet hair using a wide-toothed comb
4. When the comb moves freely through the hair without dragging, switch to using a head lice detection comb
5. Make sure the teeth of the comb slot into the hair at the roots, with the deeply bevelled edge lightly touching the scalp, and draw the comb down to the ends of the hair with every stroke
6. Check the comb for lice after each stroke, and remove them by wiping or rinsing the comb
7. Work through the hair section by section
8. Rinse out the conditioner
9. Depending on the length of hair, this can take between 10 minutes (for short hair) to 30 minutes (for longer hair)
10. Repeat the combing procedure in the wet hair to check for any lice that might have been missed the first time

One wet combing session should be done every 3 to 4 days for at least 2 weeks, continued until no lice are seen for 3 consecutive sessions.

Treatment for children < 6 months

Wet combing is recommended on its own for infants <6 months old.

Headlice Treatment Application

Manufacturer's directions for use need to be followed closely to ensure a safe and effective outcome.

When applying treatment:

• The product should be applied to all the hair, from the roots to the tips
• Particular attention should be paid to ensuring application to the nape of the neck and behind the ears

Caution

Some products for the eradication of head lice infestations are combustible/flammable when on the hair and can ignite and cause serious harm in the presence of an open flame or other source of ignition such as when lighting cigarettes (e.g. Full Marks Solution®, Hedrin®).

Patients and carers should be advised on the safe and correct use of head lice eradication treatments and if appropriate, should be advised that they should not smoke around treated hair and that it should be kept away from open flames or other sources of ignition.

Isopropyl myristate/cyclomethicone

Adults & Children ≥2yrs

5 minutes

Repeat after 7 to 14 days if necessary

Dimethicone 4%

(Hedrin Treat & Go®)

Adults & Children ≥6months

8 hours

Repeat after 7 days

Malathion 0.5%

(Derbac M Liquid®)

Adults & Children ≥6mths

12 hours

Repeat after 7 days

Permethrin 1%

(Lyclear Dermal Rinse®)

Adults & Children ≥6months

(<3 years under medical supervision if sold OTC)

10 minutes

Repeat after 7 to 10 days if necessary

Dimethicone 4%

8 hours

Repeat after 7 days