What is the treatment for head lice?
Lice control products come in the form of shampoos, creme rinses and lotions. Some products are available over the counter from a drug store or drug department; some are available only with a prescription from a physician. It is recommended that the hair first be washed with a shampoo that does not contain a conditioner or creme rinse. Baby shampoo and Prell* are two examples. The head should be rinsed as usual. Some products are to be used on a dry head; others on a head that is damp. Only those people with lice or nits should be treated, because use of these products will not prevent someone from getting head lice. Follow the directions carefully. The directions are not the same for every product. Use enough of the product to completely wet the hair and scalp. This may mean using part of a container for very short hair, or two containers for very long hair. The solution must be thoroughly massaged into the scalp, because the scalp is where the lice live–not on the ends of the hair.
