LICE

General Information

DEFINITION--Skin inflammation caused by tiny parasites (lice) that live on the body or in clothing.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Hairy areas anywhere, especially the scalp, eyebrows or genital area; skin, especially areas in which clothing is in close contact with skin, such as the shoulders, waist, genital area or buttocks.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Itching and scratching, sometimes intense and usually in hair-covered areas.
• Eggs ("nits") on hair shafts.
• Scalp inflammation and matted hair.
• Enlarged lymph glands at the back of the scalp or in the groin (sometimes).
• Red bite marks and hives.

CAUSES--Tiny (3mm to 4mm) parasites that bite through skin to obtain nourishment (blood). The bites cause itching and inflammation. Some lice live on skin, although they are difficult to see. Others live in clothing near skin. Eggs (nits) adhere to hairs.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Crowded living conditions.
• Family history of lice.
• Sexual intercourse with an infected person.
• Contact with infected object such as combs, hats, clothing, or with infected person.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Bathe and shampoo often.
• Avoid wearing the same clothing more than a day or two; change bed linens often.
• Don't share combs, brushes or hats with others.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms. You may see nits (like tiny footballs) on the side of hairs.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Infection at the site of deep scratching.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with medicated creams, lotions and shampoos. Allow 5 days after treatment for symptoms to disappear. Lice often recur.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----The following measures apply to all members of the household and to any sexual partners:

• Use the prescribed medicated shampoo, cream or lotion.
• Machine-wash all clothing and linen in hot water. Dry in the dryer's hot-air cycle. Iron the clothing and linen, if possible. Washing removes the lice, and ironing destroys nits.
• If you don't have a washing machine, iron the clothes and linen, or seal for 10 days in a plastic bag to kill lice and nits.
• Dry-clean non-washable items or seal in a plastic bag for 10 days.
• Boil articles such as combs, curlers, hairbrushes and barrettes.
• Spray (with Lysol or similar product) all furniture that comes in contact with infected body areas.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe anti-lice (pediculicide) cream, lotion or shampoo. Apply creams or lotions to infected body parts according to instructions. To use the shampoo:

• Wet the hair. Apply 1 tablespoon of shampoo. Lather for 4 minutes, working the lather well into the scalp.
• If shampoo gets in eyes, wash out right away.
• Rinse hair thoroughly and towel dry. Don't use this towel again without laundering.
• Comb the hair with a fine comb dipped in hot vinegar to remove the lice. The comb must run through the hair repeatedly from the scalp outward until the hair is completely free of nits.
• A single application of shampoo is effective in more than 90% of cases. Don't use more frequently than recommended, because the shampoo may cause skin irritation or be absorbed into the body. A repeat application may be necessary in 10 to 14 days.
• If the lice infect eyelashes, they must be removed carefully by the doctor. The prescribed medications should not go into the eye or on the eyelashes. You may apply petroleum jelly to the eyelashes for 7 or 8 days after removal.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

You, your sexual partner or anyone in your household have symptoms of lice, or symptoms recur after treatment.