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Head Lice Tips from OVSD Health Services

Treatment for Head Lice

Treatment Schedule for Head Lice:

  1. Check the scalp:
    1. Around the base of the neck
    2. Behind the ears
    3. Across the scalp from side to side

  2. If live lice are seen:
    1. Shampoo with lice-killing product – Try OTC first
    2. Comb* and pick nits for the next week

  3. Check the heads of ALL family members, including all those who the child has frequent contact (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandma, scout troop, athletic teams, etc.)

  4. One week later:
    1. Re-treat with lice-killing product – IF OTC did not work, change to different product or consider a visit to the MD.
    2. Continue to comb* and pick nits
    3. Check head for re-infestation the following week
    4. Re-treat if infestation is still present – Please call your physician if you have tried OTC twice or with different product.

Important things to consider:                                           

  • Children may return to school when live lice are no longer present
  • Children are allowed to return to school with nits because they are cemented to hair shafts and are extremely unlikely to be transferred successfully to other people
    1. continual nit removal is advised to reduce social stigma
  • Continue to check, comb, and pick for nits all week long
  • Remember to treat your home (see attached sheet) and remind children NOT to share combs, brushes, hair ribbons/clips, hats or articles of clothing.

Week 1

Live lice detected

Day 1:

Treat with lice-killing shampoo

Day 2:

Comb* and pick nits

Day 3:

Comb* and pick nits

Day 4:

Comb* and pick nits

Day 5:

Comb* and pick nits

Day 6:

Comb* and pick nits

Day 7:

Comb* and pick nits

Week 2

Re-treat hair

Day 8:

Re-treat hair with lice-killing shampoo 7-10 days following Day 1

Day 9:

Comb* and pick nits

Day 10: Comb* and pick nits

Day 11: Comb* and pick nits

Day 12: Comb* and pick nits

Day 13: Comb* and pick nits

Day 14: Comb* and pick nits

Week 3

Check hair

Day 15:

Check hair

1.)    If live lice are still present, return to schedule and follow Days 1-7.

2.)    If only nits are present, continue to comb and pick.

Week 4

Check hair

Day 22:

Check hair

1.)    If live lice are still present, return to schedule and follow Days 8-14.

2.)    If only nits are present, continue to comb and pick.

Week 5

Check hair

Day 29:

Check hair

1.)    If live lice are still present, consider a medical office visit for a prescription strength agent.

 

*Use a Lice Comb