Treatment of Human Head Lice - General Recommendations

General Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that treatment for head lice should never be initiated unless there is a clear diagnosis for head lice, because all treatments have some potential side effects.

Read the instructions carefully before using any anti-louse product. During the treatment, it is particularly important to note the starting time and to treat the hair for the exact period specified in the instructions.

Because eggs hatch 6–9 days after oviposition, treatment with a pediculicide is recommended to be repeated at least once after 10 days, when all lice have hatched. Between the two treatments (Days 2–9) the person will still be infested with lice that hatch from eggs not killed by the anti-louse product. Therefore, with some products, a third treatment on Day 5 is recommended. Between the treatments, it is advised to wet the hair and comb daily with a louse-comb to remove the hatching lice.

Hold a towel over the face to prevent contact of the product with the eyes of the infested person; and, if the product does come in contact with the eyes, rinse well with water. While the hair is still wet, use a louse comb 3–4 minutes, to remove lice and eggs.

One to three days after the last treatment (Days 11-13), hair should be checked with a louse comb. If no living lice are found, the treatment was successful, even if nits/eggs are visible on the hair. If living lice are still present, repeat the treatment using an anti-louse product with a different active ingredient. Prophylactic treatment with pediculicides is not recommended.

Itching may persist for up to a week after head lice eradication.

However, head lice are known to be resistant to commercial products.

It is recommended to wear hair in a gathered ponytail, bun, or braid. Sharing of coats, jackets, hoodies, sweat shirts or towels should not be done. Hairbrushes, combs, hair ties, headbands, etc. should not be shared. Using a mint or citronella spray as a deterrent is also preferable. Applying it in the morning and again in afternoon.