Treatment
1. Anti-lice shampoos are available from the chemist without a prescription. (They contain either malathion or pyriform as the active ingredient.) Pour the recommended amount onto dry hair and add enough warm water to form a lather. Shampoo the scalp and hair for several minutes and rinse thoroughly. Repeat this process in another week to ensure that both lice and eggs have been destroyed. This treatment is safe and effective, but if lice recur it may mean that your child has been in contact with an infected person again.
2. Comb out nits carefully with a fine-toothed comb. You do not need to shave your child’s hair, but an ordinary haircut may help a little.
When to see your doctor
• if your child is itching excessively and it interrupts his sleep;
• if sores develop on the scalp, and weep or spread.
Prevention
Lice are highly contagious, and can spread between families and between children in the same class. Check the whole family for lice, and even if you do not see any eggs or lice, it may well be worthwhile to treat other family members if they complain of an itchy scalp. It is important to let the child’s creche, kindergarten or school know that your child has lice. Keep your child at home until you have treated him with the shampoo. Clean and vacuum your child’s room, as well as any areas in which he has been playing. Soak all brushes and combs in anti-lice shampoo for several hours to disinfect them. Wash all bedding, blankets and clothes in hot water, and seal hats or other items which can’t be washed easily in plastic bags for 2-3 weeks in order to kill the eggs.
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