Head lice treatments
Talk to your doctor:
- 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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