Do we need to take extra cleaning precautions of household carpets, upholstery, toys, etc, once we have identified head lice in the hair of a household member?
Treating the hair and scalp of infested individuals is the most important and effective way to control head lice. Treatment is accomplished with an insecticidal shampoo and/or by thoroughly removing nits by combing hair with a fine-toothed comb. Contact your medical provider or pharmacist or see the references listed below for specific product information. Supplemental measures to control lice are generally not effective for two reasons 1) it is extremely unlikely that lice will survive off of a host for more than a day, and 2) it is exceedingly rare to find live lice on the bed linens – even of people who have extreme infestations with many lice. Therefore, it is unlikely that live lice will be on carpeting, upholstery, toys, etc. If you would like to use supplemental cleaning precautions, consider the lifespan of lice off a host, and clean just those items that have been worn or used by an infested person in the two days prior to when the infested person was treated. Wash and dry clo
Treating the hair and scalp of infested individuals is the most important and effective way to control head lice. Treatment is accomplished with an insecticidal shampoo and/or by thoroughly removing nits by combing hair with a fine-toothed comb. Contact your medical provider or pharmacist or see the references listed below for specific product information. Supplemental measures to control lice are generally not effective for two reasons 1) it is extremely unlikely that lice will survive off of a host for more than a day, and 2) it is exceedingly rare to find live lice on the bed linens – even of people who have extreme infestations with many lice. Therefore, it is unlikely that live lice will be on carpeting, upholstery, toys, etc. If you would like to use supplemental cleaning precautions, consider the lifespan of lice off a host, and clean just those items that have been worn or used by an infested person in the two days prior to when the infested person was treated. Wash and dry clo
