Head Lice Treatment

Lice Combing/Nitpicking

A lice comb is a specialized comb that is finer than most combs. It is important to choose a lice comb that works. Choose a metal comb that is sturdy, and does not bend easily.

Choose a comb that has finely spaced teeth so that lice cannot hide between the hair strands, between the teeth of the comb.

• Set up a space where there is plenty of light, as it makes the nits easier to see
• Dip the comb in a solution made of vinegar and water (half and half) prior to combing
• Wet the hair as this immobilizes the lice
• If your child has curly hair, brush to straighten out the hair as much as possible
• Comb from the scalp outwards to the end
• Identify and remove all the eggs that are close to the scalp
• The process will need to be repeated every day or every other day for at least 2 weeks
• Regularly check
• Patience will be required!

Maintenance and Prevention

Head lice are parasites that live on human hair, and unlike bedbugs, they do not live on furniture or in the household. Head lice cannot survive for more than 24 hours once they are removed from the human scalp as their life cycle and food source is entirely dependent on it. That said, it is always a good idea to take some preventative measures around the house to minimize the chance of a re-infestation after treating lice.

• Bed sheets and linen in the household should be washed in hot water, and put in the drier
• Carpets and furniture should be vacuumed thoroughly
• Pets are safe from head lice, as these organisms are species specific and cannot live on other animal hairs
• Items that can't be washed or dry-cleaned such as stuffed animals should be sealed in an air-tight bag for 2 weeks to guarantee that the lice are dead.
• Do not share bedding, pillows, combs, or brushes for several weeks
• Lice infestation can be persistent, and patience is required, especially in large families or other group settings like schools

Medicated Shampoos

Permethrin 1% cream (Kwellada-P, Nix)

• Hair should be washed, shampooed and dried thoroughly before applying the medication.
• The cream should be left on the scalp for at least 10 minutes before the hair is washed.
• Two treatments should be done roughly a week apart as the solution may miss the nits (eggs) initially
• It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before using this product with children

Pyrethrin-Piperonyl Butoxide (R&C Shampoo/Pronto Shampoo)

• Ensure that the hair is dry before application.
• The medication should be left on the hair for at least 10 minutes.
• Shampoo and wash the hair.
• Two treatments should be done roughly a week apart as the solution may miss the nits (eggs) initially
• It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before using this product with children
• This product is a derivative of Chrysanthemums. Avoid if allergic to this flower.

Isopropyl Myristate and ST-cyclomethicone (Resultz)

• New type of non-insecticide drug approved for treating lice in children older than the age of 4 for Canadians.
• Non-prescription product.
• The hair should be dry before treatment starts
• Resultz is applied and massaged thoroughly around the scalp for several minutes
• The medication should be left on the hair for at least 10 minutes.
• Shampoo and wash the hair.
• After a week, a second treatment should follow for best results as the nits (eggs) may have evaded the initial treatment.