CDC Recommended Lice Treatment

There are three types of lice (tiny, parasitic insects) that can live on humans: the head louse, the body louse or clothes louse, and the pubic louse (known as "crabs"). All are contracted by close physical contact with an infected person.

Facts

• Head lice are the most common, with 6 to 12 million cases occurring in kids ages 3 to 11 each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Pets cannot contract or spread lice, and except for body lice infestations, a person's cleanliness is not a factor. For all three types of lice infestation, the CDC recommends a combination of pharmacological and home treatments to kill lice, their eggs (called nits), and avoid spreading or re-infestation.

OTC Treatments

• The CDC recommends over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that are pyrethrin or permethrin based. These consist of a medicated shampoo and a small comb that is used to help remove lice and nits. The treatment should be repeated 8 to 12 hours later if live lice are found, and re-treatment is recommended after 9 to 10 days.

Prescription Treatments

• If lice are still active after OTC treatment, your health care provider will determine if a prescription treatment (drugs such as malathion or lindane) is needed.

Household Treatment

• The CDC recommends bedding, clothing and towels that came in contact with an infested person be machine washed in hot water and machine dried, or dry-cleaned. Things that cannot be washed must be placed in plastic bags for two weeks to kill live lice and nits. Vacuum carpets and furniture. Although these steps are important, the CDC cautions that lice cannot live more than two days if they are not on a person, so do not spend too much time or money on household treatment.

Cautions

• OTC treatments only kill live lice; the comb must be used to remove the nits so that no new lice hatch. According to the CDC, prescription treatments are much stronger than OTC treatments and can have harmful side effects.