PEDICULOSIS (Head Lice)
PEDICULOSIS (Head Lice): Lice are most usually spready directly by head-to-head contact
Personal Treatment:
you may use medicated shampoo such as RID or NIX
these may be purchased over the counter (OTC)
before applying the treatment, remove all clothing from the waist up
apply the lice medicine according to label instructions
put on clean clothing after the treatment
comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair
the medicine may take 8-12 hours or longer to kill lice
check hair and comb with a nit comb (lice egg comb purchased OTC) to remove nits every 2-3 days after the treatment
if using over-the-counter treatment, retreat in 7-10 days
Household treatment:
to kill lice and nits, machine wash all washable clothing and bed linens that you wore or used during the 2 days before treatment; use hot water, 130 degree cycle
dry laundry using high heat for at least 20 minutes
dry clean clothing you can't wash, such as coats, hats, and scarves
OR store clothing, comforters, stuffed animals in a plastic bag and seal for 2 weeks
soak combs/ brushes 1 hour in rubbing alcohol, lysol or hot water, 130 degrees
vacuum the floor and furniture
DO NOT use sprays, since they can be harmful if absorbed or breathed in
Prevention:
avoid activities that are likely to spread lice
do not share your combs, brushes, or towels
do not lie on beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have recently been in contact with a person with head lice, unless they have been cleaned (as listed above), and the person has been treated
These health recommendations came from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the VDH (Virginia Department of Health) websites
PLEASE REFER TO FOLLOWING LINKS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON LICE
CDC (Centers for Disease Control)
VDH (Virginia Department of Health)
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