1- Pediculosis Flashcards
What are the types of lice?
head, body, pubic, “super” lice (OTC resistance)
What are the life stages of a louse?
-nits (eggs) at the base of the scalp and take 1 week to hatch
-nymph (newly born) becomes adult in 7 days
-louse (adult) can live up to 30 days on a patients scalp
How do you check for lice?
check 1-2 inches of hair at a time, comb through with comb as close to the scalp as possible and wiping the comb on a clean paper towel
What are the exclusions for self care for treatment of lice?
-presence of secondary skin infection
-pregnancy or breastfeeding
-lice in eyelids or eyebrows
-presence of tumors
-medication specific
What are the treatment options for lice?
pyrethrins and permethrin
What is the MOA of pyrethrins?
blocks nerve impulse transmission, causing insect paralysis and death
What are the direction for pyrethrins?
apply to DRY hair and allow to sit for 10 minutes, apply warm water, lather, and rinse then may apply normal shampoo, comb with lice comb, REPEAT in 7-10 days (ideally 9 days)
What age can pyrethrins be given to?
age 2yo+
What is the MOA of permethrin?
acts on nerve membrane of lice, causing paralysis and death
What are the directions for permethrin?
wash hair first, apply to DAMP hair, leave on hair for 10min then rinse, comb with lice comb, NO RETREATMENT
What age can permethrin be given to?
2 months+
What are the adverse effects of permethrin?
pruritus, irritation
What natural remedies for lice have the most evidence?
tea tree oil and lavender oil
What is the cleaning recommendations for lice?
-machine wash and dry clothing (temp >130F)
-seal clothing in plastic for at least 2 weeks
-soak combs and brushes in hot water for 5-10 minutes
-vacuum floors and furniture
