Head Lice Treatment Recommendations

k

Head Lice

And what to do about those lousy bugs

Head lice treatment recommendations

Nix (permethrin) is a poison used to kill adult lice. It is potent and should not be used repeatedly, as it can be absorbed through the scalp and may cause serious side effects with repeated uses, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, seizures, weakness and loss of consciousness.

The following method may be messy, but it is very effective AND SAFE.

·  Use Nix (Over the counter) to kill the majority of mature lice. Follow directions on the box. Nix should NOT be used repeatedly, as it is not safe in large or repeated doses.

·  That evening apply a large amount of olive oil to the scalp and leave in place overnight on days 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, and 21. Covering the head with a shower cap will make the process less messy.

·  Clean the environment

·  The next morning, comb out hair to remove nits while olive oil is still on hair.

·  Then wash out olive oil, using a degreasing dish soap such as Dawn or Ajax.

·  Recheck for nits every four days for three to four weeks.

·  Children may return to school after Nix, the first treatment with olive oil and a good, thorough combing

Optional substitutes for olive oil include:

·  Mayonnaise

·  Vaseline/petroleum jelly

·  Vegetable oils (corn oil, safflower oil, Crisco oil)

·  Baby oil

Cleaning the house and environment

·  Check each family member’s head.

·  Treat ALL members who have evidence of lice.

·  Soak combs and brushes in hot water (150 F) for ten minutes or soak in lice shampoo for one hour.

·  Comb hair of every person carefully using fine tooth comb that comes with Nix or use tweezers or fingernails to get rid of all nits.

·  Take sheets, pillowcases, blankets and bedspreads off beds of all people who have lice.

·  Wash and dry all bedding at hot setting.

·  Put pillows and non-washable bedding in dryer for 30 minutes or seal in plastic bag for 35 (thirty-five) days.

·  Seal up stuffed animals in plastic bag for 35 (thirty-five) days.

·  Vacuum all mattresses or run a hot iron over them—especially around the buttons.

·  Make all beds with clean bedding.

·  Carefully vacuum all upholstered furniture, throw pillows, and seats in the car.

·  Carefully vacuum all carpets and empty vacuum bags and wastebaskets.

·  Wash all jackets, sweaters, hats, and other clothes that have been around people with lice in the past four or five days.

·  Take any non-washable clothes to the dry cleaners or use one of these treatments:

o  Hot dryer for 30 minutes

o  Seal in plastic bag for 35 (thirty five) days

o  Freezer for two days

o  Direct sunlight for six to eight hours

·  Fold clean clothes and put them away.

·  Call all people that have been around person with lice.

·  Check heads daily.