Article Index Head Lice Information Page 2 Page 3 Page 3 of 3 Treatment of Head Lice The objective in treating a case of head louse infestation must be to free the host of eggs, nymphs and lice, as well as of nits or empty shells, for the continued presence of the latter can only serve to confuse later diagnosis. Further requirements are that the treatment be easy to carry out, be inexpensive, and that side effects be kept to a minimum. The various options for treating head lice are: Combing Combing is an effective and safe way to eliminate head lice and eggs.  Use of a fine-toothed plastic comb can be extremely efficient for detection and removal of lice. However, a metal comb is more effective for removal of lice eggs and nits (empty eggshells). This is because; lice attach their eggs to hair with a material almost like superglue, making it necessary to use a metal pin comb. To ensure fast and complete elimination from lice, selection of a good quality lice removal comb is important. The efficacy of a lice removal comb depends on various factors like spacing between its pins (or teeth), consistency in the spacing throughout the pin length and its make (plastic or metal) (5).  A plastic comb is best used for detection and removal of lice. To get rid of lice eggs and nits, a metal pin comb should be used.  Proper cleaning of a lice removal comb can also help prevent any chances of re-infestation. A cleaning brush specially designed for cleaning between the comb pins can be used to get rid of any unwanted substances trapped between them.  Insecticidal Treatments Insecticidal treatments are generally Pyrethroid or Malathion based. Pyrethroids block the respiratory pathway of the lice nerve cells leading to nervous hyper excitability and death. Malathion is an anticholinestrase that releases chlorine, which then kills head lice. Other treatments There are various other treatments available to treat head lice. Dimeticone works by coating the lice which stops their ability to excrete surplus water. Enzyme based treatments work by softening the glue attaching lice eggs and nits to hair. If the glue binding the egg to the hair is dissolved, the requirements placed on a comb for removal of the egg become less demanding. Prevention of Head Lice Prevention of head lice appears to be best achieved by being attentive to the problem of head lice. Regular combing can help early detection of head lice, hence ensuring proper treatment is taken to prevent an infestation. Use of an efficient detector comb, which can also remove  lice, can help in minimising the probability of head lice infestation.    Top Lice Myths and Facts   There are abundant myths about head lice. These are our all time winners. Myth- Lice prefer long or dirty hair. Actual- Lice have no preference for hair length or cleanliness. Myth- Lice jump or fly from head to head. Actual- Lice are wingless, cannot jump and are transferred by head to head contact. Myth- Lice and nits are the same thing. Actual- Lice are small insects, nits are empty egg shells. Myth- Lice can be spread by pets Actual- Human lice only like and feed on human blood. Do you have another myth you want to share with us? Please email us on: - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   References   1. Burkhart CN, Burkhart CG, 2006, ‘ Fomite Transmission in head lice’ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 56, Issue 6, Pages 1044-1047, Viewed 20 August 2007, http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S019096220604031X   2. Ogg B, 2006, ‘Managing Head Lice Safely’, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County, Viewed 7 August 2007 http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/lice/headlice018.shtml    3. Division of Parasitic Diseases 2005, ‘Head Lice Infestation Pediculosis ‘Available at World Wide Web at http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DPD/parasites/lice/factsht_head_lice.htm 4. Head Lice and Nits, information on head lice, detection and various treatment options 2007, Patient UK, viewed 1 October 2007 http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068753/  5. Pollack R J, ‘Head Lice Information ‘, Harvard School of Public Health, Available at World Wide Web http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/headlice.html#methods 6. We are greatful to the MET at Cambridge for use of these images << Prev - Next