Steps to Follow
| Do | Remember |
| Apply Lice Shampoo to dry hair.Treat all infested family members at the same time. Read directions carefully. | Unless you treat all infested family members, head lice can be passed on from one person to another when heads touch. |
| Remove all nits by gently using a metal "nit" comb or use your fingers to pull nits from the single strands of hair. | Metal nit combs are available at your local pharmacy. If it tugs the hair, it may be upside down.Place lice/nits in a bowl of hot soapy water. Flush down the toilet when done. |
| If live, active lice are seen 24 to 48 hours after the first treatment, resistance or a heavy infestation should be suspected. Immediate treatment is recommended using a different product, followed by a second treatment seven days later. | The medications should be kept out of the reach of young children. These medications cannot be used for infants. Pregnant or nursing mothers should only use head lice medications following advice from their doctor. |
| Apply Lice Shampoo a second time 7 10 days after the first shampoo. Repeat step 2. | A second shampoo will make sure that any head lice which hatch after the first shampoo will be killed before they have a chance to lay any eggs.Two shampoos and a follow-up head check with nit removal is the best way to make sure head lice are gone. |
| If live head lice or new nits are found, try Option B.Consult a Public Health Nurse if you have any questions. | Wet combing breaks the life cycle of head lice by removing them before they are grown and able to reproduce. |
After Treatment Checklist
- Wash in hot water, all bedding, towels and clothes used in the past 2-3 days including those worn during treatment.
- Launder all washable clothing, bedding, and towels in small loads with hot water and/or put in hot dryer for 20 minutes.
- Wash hair brushes, combs and hair accessories (barrettes, ribbons, etc) with hot soapy water.
- Anything that can't be washed (ie; Blankets, coats, headwear, stuffed toys) can be treated by: placing in a closed plastic bag for 10 days or putting in a hot dryer for 20 minutes or putting in the freezer for 48 hours or ironing it.
- There is no evidence that a major cleaning of the house is needed to get rid of head lice. Only items that have been in direct contact with the affected person(s) need to be washed.
- Repeat treatment according to option chosen.
- Notify those in contact with child that lice/nits were found, ie; school, Brownies, Scouts, sports teams, friends.
