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Sunday, June 19, 2011

Head lice treatments

    Talk to your doctor:Head lice treatments

  • if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • before treating children under the age of two
  • if a person has a seizure disorder
  • if the skin of the scalp has an infection

  • There are many products available at your pharmacy (talk to your pharmacist)
    • Buy a head lice shampoo or cream rinse from your drug store
    • Apply as instructed. Misuse and overuse could be hazardous
    • The products kill the head lice and many eggs, but a second treatment is needed 7 to 10 days after the first treatment to kill any newly hatched lice before they mature
  • Remove all nits by using fingernails or a nit comb
  • It is suggested that you limit shampoo use between the two treatments and in the week following the second treatment. This may allow the head lice product to work more effectively.
  • Check head for live lice daily between treatments and remove any nits that are still present (do this in bright light)
    • head lice and nits are commonly found around ears, forehead and nape of neck - check these areas carefully
    • If live lice are found in the days following the first treatment, consult your pharmacist or call 416-338-7600
  • Check all close contacts (i.e. family and friends)
  • There is conflicting information concerning whether or not all nits should be removed after the application of head lice products
  • Toronto Public Health recommends the removal of all nits as:
    • head lice products are not 100% effective
    • removal of nits may minimize the hatching of eggs that were not killed and the spread of young hatched lice to other heads
    • it is easier to notice a new infestation if all nits are removed
  • If a baby or a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding has head lice:
    • Call your family doctor or Motherisk Program of the Hospital for Sick Children at 416-813-6780 for advice before choosing a head lice treatment product
    • If pregnant and treating others, wear plastic or rubber gloves

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