Signs and symptoms
Head lice cause itching of the scalp and sometimes a red, scaly rash on the back of the neck at the hairline. Scratching may cause sores on the scalp. The lymph glands at the base of the skull may be enlarged.
Unless hundreds are present, it is difficult to see lice in a child’s hair. Look for the small but easily visible nits attached to the shafts of the hairs. Though nits are about the same color and size as flakes of dandruff, they can be easily distinguished from dandruff. Flakes of dandruff can be blown or brushed away; nits can be removed with the fingernails only with difficulty.
Home care
Apply two tablespoonfuls of a 1-percent gamma benzene hexachloride shampoo (which your doctor will prescribe) to your child’s dry hair. Work it into lather, and leave it on four minutes. Then rinse well with water. Be very careful not to get this shampoo into the child’s eyes or mouth. After rinsing, fine-comb your child’s hair to remove the nits. If necessary, use a vinegar rinse to loosen the nits before combing. Repeat the shampoo and combing only once, four to seven days later. This procedure kills both the lice and the eggs. Clean combs and hairbrushes with the gamma benzene hexachloride shampoo. To kill stray lice, clean hats and pillowcases by washing and ironing or by dry cleaning.
Lice can also be killed by applying a 25-percent benzyl benzoate lotion (available over the counter) to the hair and scalp; shampoo after 12 to 24 hours. Repeat the procedure in four to seven days.
• Gamma benzene hexachloride is lindane, a white powder used chiefly as an insecticide. It is poisonous if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. It can also harm the eyes. Do not let it come in contact with the eyes or mouth. Do not leave it within your child’s reach. Do not apply it more than twice.
• If one person has head lice, all family members except infants and pregnant women should be treated once with the shampoo.
• If the lice are accompanied by infected sores on the scalp or enlarged tender glands at the base of the skull, consult your doctor.
Medical treatment
Your doctor will ordinarily treat head lice as you would at home. If there are infected sores and infected lymph glands, your doctor may culture the sores and will usually prescribe an oral antibiotic for five to ten days.
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