Head Lice Treatment

The successful treatment of head lice involves the patient, the family, and the household.

TREATMENT OF THE INDIVIDUAL

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

THE MAYONNAISE METHOD

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 is 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, 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 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.

You should also vacuum everywhere- carpets, pillows, mattresses, furniture and car seats.

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

Please contact our office with any questions or for further instructions or recommendations if this method proves to be unsuccessful. Do not repeat the Nix treatment unless discussed with our office first.