Symptoms: itching scalp, red scaly rash on back of neck, sores caused by scratching, enlarged lymph glands at base of skull, dandruff-like eggs (nits) attached to hair.
Home care:
- You can distinguish the eggs (or nits) of head lice from dandruff because dandruff can easily be brushed away but the nits cling to the hair shafts.
- Your doctor will prescribe a shampoo to kill the lice and the nits. Apply the shampoo exactly according to the instructions, taking care not to get it in the child’s eyes or mouth.
- If necessary, apply a vinegar rinse to loosen the nits, then fine-comb the child’s hair until all the nits are removed.
- Clean combs and brushes with the shampoo, launder pillowcases, and have caps or hats washed or dry-cleaned.
- Check other family members for the lice.
Precautions:
- If one member of the family has head lice, it is often necessary to treat the rest of the family too (except infants and pregnant women).
- The ingredient gamma benzene hexachloride prescribed in shampoo form for head lice is poisonous if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. It can also harm the eyes. Use it exactly as directed; do not repeat the application more than twice, at the stated intervals; and do not leave the shampoo within reach of the child.
- Consult your doctor if head lice are accompanied by infected sores on the scalp or enlarged lymph nodes at the base of the skull.
Head lice are tiny parasites (smaller than fleas) less than 3 millimeters long. They are grayish-white, almost transparent, six-legged creatures that live exclusively on humans, never on pets. The lice pass easily from one human to another. Head lice live on or close to the scalp, where they bite and suck blood. Their visible eggs (or nits), which stick to the hairs, are milk-white and about the size of a flake of dandruff. During the past few years, infestation with head lice has become common among school-age children.
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