WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR LICE (PEDICULOSIS)?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

Body lice only requires good skin hygiene, soap and water, and hot cleaning of cloths and bed linen.

Head Lice Treatment:

1. Lotion: Permethrin 1% *  (repeat in 7 days)
2. Ivermetin topical 0.5% *

2. Pills: Ivermetic 200 mcg/kg orally once and repeat in 7-10 days (because of eggs)

3. Metal Nit comb to comb out nits

4. Vaseline can be used on eyelids and eyebrows if they are infected. but it has to be applied 3-4 x per day for 8-10 days to be effective

Pubic Lice Treatment:

1. Lotion: Permethrin 1% 60ml (repeat in 7 days)

2. Pills: Ivermetic 200 mcg/kg orally once and repeat in 7-10 days (because of eggs)

3. Metal Nit comb to comb out nits

CAUTION:

1. Many treatments for lice require a second treatment a week to 10 days later, remember to follow the directions.
2. All medication, including medications those that remove lice have a risk of side effects.
3. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
4. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF LICE (PEDICULOSIS)?

The typical symptom are itching in the area effected. There are three different types of lice and they stick to their particular part of the body. For example, head lice are only on the head. The same is generally true for body lice and pubic lice. The little lice tend to look similar to tiny crabs. Tiny eggs, called nits, which resemble tiny pieces of gum being attached to the hair shaft may be found also.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF LICE (PEDICULOSIS)?

There are actually over 5,000 species of lice. But, there are only two that cause human symptoms: Pedicures Humans Specie is the specie of lice that cause both the body and head lice. Pubic lice are from the Pthirus Pubis subspecies. All three, head, body, and pubic lice look similar, but have some specific characteristics.

HOW IS LICE (PEDICULOSIS) DIAGNOSED?

The diagnosis can be made by a careful history and visual physical.