Treatment
paper towel to extract lice and nits and repeated until
no more appear on the comb. While this technique
First-line medical treatment is topical Pyrethrins
and Permethrin-containing shampoos, which can be
avoids a possible drug reaction, it is more time-
consuming and can take about a week to fully complete.
purchased over the counter. In the case of resistant lice,
stronger prescription shampoos containing Ivermectin Whatever method you use, do not be shy to talk to
can be used. These shampoos are generally safe and a trusted doctor, especially if initial treatment fails.
effective and at most cause a very mild itching or Lice are built to weather tough storms (this can be
burning sensation in those with hypersensitivity. Of taken literally), yet the good news is that treatment is
course, run any questions or concerns by your doctor in relatively easy and inexpensive. With knowing what to
the event of reaction. Although a one-time treatment do and enlisting the proper tools, you’ll be able to keep
of the hair and scalp for 10 minutes is usually sufficient, that stress at least out of your hair.
the Center for Disease Control recommends repeating
treatment after 7 days to ensure eradication. Removal
of lice eggs can be performed at home with a fine-tooth
comb or “lice comb” following treatment.
Ariana Abid, MD
A native of Sarasota, Dr. Abid is a third-
year resident in the Halifax Health Family
Medicine Residency Program.
I recently learned of a more old-fashioned treatment
that involves saturating the scalp and hair with olive oil
for six to eight hours to suffocate the lice. A lice comb
is then run throughout the hair and wiped off with a
Looking for a great book about this subject? Check out
Bugs in my Hair! by David Shannon.
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