Head Lice Information

Pediculosis (or lice) is an infestation of the hairy parts of the human body or clothing with the eggs, larvae, or adult lice. At the crawling stage they feed on human blood, which may result in severe itching. Head lice are usually located on the scalp; crab lice in the pubic area; and body lice along seams of clothing where they then travel to the skin to feed.

Call your physician or local public health office for more information about pediculosis.



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):




What are the symptoms of pediculosis?

Usually the first sign of an infestation is itching or scratching in the area of the body where the lice feed. Itching at the back of the head or around the ears should lead to an examination for head louse eggs (nits) on the hair. Itching around the genital area should lead to an examination for pubic lice or their eggs. It is easier to see nits than crawling lice. Intense scratching may result in infection with bacteria present on the skin or hands. Nits are oval, whitish, about 1-3 mm in size, and attached to the hair shaft, usually at the base.



How is pediculosis spread?

Both head and body lice transmission can occur during direct contact with an infested individual. Sharing of clothing and combs or brushes may also result in transmission of these insects. While other means of transmission are possible for pubic lice (crabs), the most common is through sexual contact. Lice do not jump or fly; they can only crawl.



How long does it take to get pediculosis after exposure?

It may take as long as 2-3 weeks or longer for a person to notice the intense itching associated with pediculosis.

How can one keep from getting pediculosis?

One may only become infested if suitable conditions exist. Physical contact with infested individuals and their belongings (especially clothing, headgear, and bedding) should be avoided.

Washing clothing and bedding in hot water (130° F for 20 minutes) or dry cleaning clothes to destroy lice and eggs may help to prevent other family members from becoming infested.



What is the treatment for pediculosis?

Head lice are a common nuisance for human beings. Although some parents are mortified when they discover these insects on their children, the insects are not the result of poor hygiene or the lack of cleaning in the home or the day care facility. These pesky critters are not able to fly, hop or jump, but they can crawl from head to head when children are in close contact.

Hair and Body Treatment

Water or regular shampooing does not dislodge head lice. There are over-the-counter medicated shampoos that can be used to effectively treat the lice, and special combs that are used to remove the dead lice and their eggs (nits) from hair shafts. Children under 2 years should not be treated with these medicated shampoos, and the lice and nits need to removed by hand on babies. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a physician before treatment.

Here are two effective alternative treatments that have been successful in getting rid of the insects:

  • Australian Tea Tree Oil: Place 12 drops of the tea tree oil (which kills the lice) in 1/4 cup baby oil (loosens the glue on the nits). Wrap hair in saran wrap or use a shower cap; cover this with a stocking cap. Wear overnight. Use a clarifying shampoo to wash out in the morning. To prevent re-infection, place tea tree oil in a quart of water and use as a conditioner. This keeps tea tree oil in the hair at all times and the lice do not like this.

  • Mayonnaise: Place mayonnaise on the hair as thick as possible (at least 1/4 inch thick through hair). Wrap hair in saran wrap and apply heat with a blow dryer for 20 minutes. The mayonnaise suffocates the lice and the heat helps release the glue on the nits making them easier to remove. Wash hair with a clarifying shampoo to complete the treatment.

Household Treatment

To make sure that you do not re-infest anyone in the household, machine wash all washable clothing and bed linens that the infested person touched during the two days before treatment. Use hot water and dry the laundry using the hot cycle on the dryer for at least 20 minutes.

Dry clean clothing that is not washable, OR store all clothing, stuffed animals, comforters, etc., that cannot be washed or dry cleaned in a plastic bag and seal for two weeks.

Combs and brushes should be soaked in rubbing alcohol or Lysol for one hour, or washed with soap and very hot water.

All rugs, furniture, and car seats should be thoroughly vacuumed, and the vacuum bag thrown away in a sealed plastic bag. Over-the-counter lice sprays are available, but should not be used because children can breathe in the toxic fumes. These sprays are not necessary and not worth the health risk.