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Effective Head Lice Treatment and Prevention

Five children are huddled together, smiling and looking down at the camera. They are wearing casual clothing and appear happy and close-knit. Does rubbing alcohol kill lice and nits
Effective Head Lice Treatment and Prevention
Say Goodbye to Head Lice

Understanding Head Lice

Head lice are tiny insects that infest the scalp and hair, causing itching and discomfort. At Monadnock Community Hospital, we provide effective treatments and advice to help you eliminate head lice and prevent future infestations. Our pediatric team is here to support you with comprehensive care and guidance.

Common Symptoms of Head Lice

  • Persistent itching of the scalp
  • Small red bumps on the scalp, neck, and shoulders
  • Presence of lice eggs (nits) on hair shafts
  • Feeling of something moving in the hair

Effective Head Lice Treatment Options

The treatment recommended by Monadnock Regional Pediatrics at this time may vary somewhat according to the family situation. The steps below represent the most commonly suggested treatment.

The Mayonnaise Method

The primary treatment will be the mayonnaise method, with follow-up daily inspections of all family members, and the treatment of the household.

If a child is noted to have head lice and is sent home from school or daycare, the mayonnaise method can be used immediately. The method of action is assumed to be suffocation of the lice and their nits. Using 100% mayonnaise (not low fat, fat free, or salad dressing), the hair and scalp are saturated with generous amounts of the mayonnaise. The hair is then covered with clear plastic wrap or a shower cap for at least 3 hours. (Caution should be taken when using plastic wrap on a young child). It is important to completely cover the hair and scalp. After 3 hours, the mayonnaise can first be removed with paper towels, then combs. The nits should be removed with a lice comb. The mayo can be shampooed out with a detergent-type shampoo like Prell. At the start of the process, the child’s clothing should be changed, and the removed clothing bagged until washing can occur.

After treatment, the nits must be combed out of the hair. A solution of 50% vinegar and 50% water can be used to help loosen the cement that holds the nits to the hair shaft. Combing the hair when it is still wet is the most effective. Visual inspection of the family’s hair should continue for 3 full weeks after treatment. If you or your child has very fine hair or long hair, you may need the metal small comb instead of the plastic kit comb.

If the mayonnaise (suffocation) method is a failure, then Nix, a Permethrin 1% cream rinse is the drug of choice. This is recommended in both adults and children over 2 years of age. The Nix is applied to washed and towel-dried hair, saturating the hair and scalp. Allow the medication to remain in for the recommended amount of time, then rinse and remove all nits with a fine-toothed lice comb. The Nix may be repeated in 7 days if live lice are again noted. Nix is the medication of choice because of its sustained residual effect—it stays in the hair for about 14 days despite shampooing with other products. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a pediculicide. Do not overuse or leave on the scalp longer than advised on the package. If the patient has extra-long hair, you may need to use an extra portion to fully saturate all hair ends. DO NOT use a cream rinse or combination shampoo/conditioner before using the lice medication.

Do not shampoo the hair if only the Nix has been used. Rinse the hair the following day with a 50% vinegar and water solution as described previously. The hair is always easier to inspect when wet and the nits are easier to remove.

If live lice are noted after the Nix treatment, repeat the mayonnaise method and call the office.

Treatment of the Household

The home environment can be cleaned during the time the mayonnaise is in place. To kill lice and nits, machine-wash all washable clothing and bed linens that the infested person touched during the 2 days before treatment. Use the hot water cycle to wash clothing. Dry laundry using the hot cycle for at least 20 minutes. Dry clean clothing that is not washable (coats, hats, scarves). If dry cleaning is not possible, store all clothing, stuffed animals, comforters, etc. in a plastic bag. The bag should remain sealed for at least 2 weeks.

Household combs and brushes should be soaked for at least 1 hour in rubbing alcohol, Lysol, or should soak in hot water that is at least 130º F for 5-10 minutes. These items may also be saturated and smothered in a petroleum product like Vaseline overnight.

Vacuum everywhere—carpets, pillows, mattresses, furniture, and car seats.

Head lice cannot survive without a human host. They cannot survive on family pets!

Using Rubbing Alcohol for Head Lice

Rubbing alcohol can be an effective tool in treating head lice infestations. When used properly, rubbing alcohol can kill adult lice on contact. However, it does not effectively kill lice eggs (nits), so it should be used in combination with other treatments for best results. The mayonnaise method is recommended for your first attempt at killing lice.

How to use rubbing alcohol for lice:
  • Apply rubbing alcohol directly to the scalp and hair using cotton balls
  • Leave on for 10-15 minutes
  • Rinse thoroughly and comb through hair with a lice comb
  • Repeat daily for 7-10 days to catch newly hatched lice

While rubbing alcohol can kill adult lice, it should not be used as the sole treatment method. Combine it with thorough combing and other FDA-approved lice treatments for comprehensive elimination.

Home Care Tips from the Pediatrics Department

  • Regular Combing: Continue using the lice comb every few days to ensure all lice and nits are removed.
  • Hot Water Washing: Use hot water to wash bedding, clothing, and personal items to kill lice and nits.
  • Seal Non-Washable Items: Place non-washable items in a plastic bag for two weeks to ensure any remaining lice are killed.
  • Thorough Cleaning: Clean hair care items like combs and brushes by soaking them in hot water for at least 10 minutes.
  • Daily Checks: Perform daily head checks for at least two weeks to ensure complete removal of lice and nits.
  • Vacuuming: Vacuum floors and furniture to remove any stray lice.

Preventing Head Lice

Preventing head lice involves minimizing direct contact and maintaining good hygiene:

  • Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share combs, brushes, hats, or headphones with others.
  • Check Regularly: Regularly check your child’s scalp and hair for signs of lice, especially after they have been in close contact with others.
  • Educate Your Child: Teach your child about the importance of not sharing personal items and avoiding head-to-head contact.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If over-the-counter treatments do not work or if the infestation persists, seek medical attention. Our pediatric team at Monadnock Community Hospital can provide stronger treatments and additional guidance to help you effectively eliminate head lice.

Discover More Must-Read Pediatric Tips and Advice

At Monadnock Community Hospital, we are committed to supporting you and your family with reliable information and expert advice. Be sure to check out our other pediatric blog posts for more tips on keeping your child healthy and happy. From newborn care to managing common childhood illnesses, our blog offers a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood.

Why Choose Monadnock Community Hospital’s Pediatrics Department?

Your child’s health is our top priority. At Monadnock Community Hospital, we offer expert, compassionate pediatric care from birth to adolescence. Our dedicated team of board-certified pediatricians and nurses provides comprehensive services. We believe in partnering with families to create personalized care plans and foster a healthy start in life. With a rich history of serving our community, we’re committed to providing accessible, high-quality care in a warm and welcoming environment. As a not-for-profit hospital serving families since 1923, you can trust us to deliver the highest standard of care in a safe, nurturing environment. Join us in supporting your child’s health and happiness.

Monadnock Regional Pediatrics