$Unique_ID{PAR00093}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Medical Advice:  Head Lice}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Chasnoff, Ira J}
$Subject{Head Lice Itching Itch Itching scalp Red scaly neck rash Sores
scratching Enlarged lymph nodes Dandruff-like eggs nits hair shafts gamma
benzene hexachloride shampoo poisonous lindane insecticide Dandruff egg}
$Log{}

Your Child:  A Medical Guide


Head Lice


     Quick Reference

     SYMPTOMS
     - Itching scalp
     - Red, scaly rash on the back of the neck
     - Sores caused by scratching
     - Enlarged lymph nodes at the base of the skull
     - Dandruff-like eggs (called nits) attached to hair shafts

     HOME CARE
     - You can distinguish the nits of head lice from dandruff because
       dandruff can easily be brushed away but the nits cling to the hair
       shafts.
     - Your doctor will prescribe a shampoo to kill the lice and the nits.
       Apply the shampoo exactly according to the instructions, taking care
       not to get it in the child's eyes or mouth.
     - If necessary, apply a vinegar rinse to loosen the nits, then comb the
       child's hair with a fine-tooth comb until all the nits have been
       removed.
     - Clean combs and brushes with the shampoo, launder pillowcases, and have
       caps or hats washed or dry-cleaned.

     PRECAUTIONS
     - If one member of the family has head lice, it is often necessary to
       treat the rest of the family as well (except infants and pregnant
       women).
     - The ingredient gamma benzene hexachloride prescribed in shampoo form
       for head lice is poisonous if swallowed or absorbed through the skin.
       It can also harm the eyes.  Use it exactly as directed.  Do not repeat
       the application more than twice, at the stated intervals.  Do not leave
       the shampoo within reach of the child.
     - Consult your doctor if head lice are accompanied by infected sores on
       the scalp or enlarged lymph nodes at the base of the skull.


     Head lice are tiny parasites (less than one-eighth inch long).  They are
grayish-white, almost transparent, six-legged creatures that live exclusively
on humans--not on pets.  The lice pass easily from one person to another.
Head lice live on or close to the scalp, where they bite and suck blood.
Their eggs, which are called nits, are milk-white and about the size of a
flake of dandruff.  During the past few years, infestation with head lice has
become common among school-age children.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

     Head lice cause itching of the scalp and sometimes a red, scaly rash on
the back of the neck at the hairline.  Scratching may cause sores on the
scalp.  The lymph nodes at the base of the skull may be enlarged.
     Unless hundreds are present, it is difficult to see lice in a child's
hair.  Look for the small but easily visible nits attached to the shafts of
the hairs.  Although nits are about the same color and size as flakes of
dandruff, they can be easily distinguished from dandruff:  flakes of dandruff
can be blown or brushed away; nits can be removed with the fingernails only
with difficulty.

HOME CARE

     Apply the recommended amount of a 1-percent gamma benzene hexachloride
shampoo (which your doctor will prescribe) to your child's dry hair.  Work it
into a lather, and leave it on for four minutes.  Then rinse well with water.
Be very careful not to get this shampoo into the child's eyes or mouth.  After
rinsing, comb the child's hair with a fine-tooth comb to remove the nits.  If
necessary, use a vinegar rinse to loosen the nits before combing.  Repeat the
shampoo and combing only once, four to seven days later.  This procedure kills
both the lice and the eggs.  Clean combs and hairbrushes with the gamma
benzene hexachloride shampoo.  To kill stray lice, clean hats and pillowcases
by washing and ironing or by dry cleaning.
     Lice can also be killed by using one of several special shampoos
containing pyrethrins.  These shampoos are available without a prescription.
Always follow the package instructions carefully.

PRECAUTIONS

     Gamma benzene hexachloride is lindane, a white powder used chiefly as an
insecticide.  It is poisonous if swallowed or absorbed through the skin.  It
can also harm the eyes.  Do not let it come in contact with the eyes or mouth.
Do not leave it within your child's reach.  Do not apply it more than twice.
     If one person has head lice, all family members except infants and
pregnant women should be treated with the shampoo.
     If the lice are accompanied by infected sores on the scalp or enlarged,
tender lymph nodes at the base of the skull, consult your doctor.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

     If there are infected sores or infected lymph nodes, your doctor may
culture the sores and prescribe an oral antibiotic for five to ten days.

RELATED TOPICS:  Glands, swollen; Scabies