Lice
in Manitowoc, WI
Head lice are a common concern, especially among children and families. While they don’t cause serious health problems, lice can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and difficult to eliminate without proper treatment. If home remedies and over-the-counter products aren’t enough, our board-certified dermatology specialists can help you get rid of lice effectively and prevent them from coming back.
What are lice?
Lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They are most commonly found on the head, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Lice are highly contagious and spread through direct head-to-head contact or by sharing personal items like combs, hats, helmets, or towels. While lice do not transmit diseases, they can cause itching, discomfort, and irritation due to their bites.
Preschool and elementary school children aged 3-11 and their families are infected most often. You or your child can have good personal hygiene habits and still get lice. Unless treated properly, this condition can become a recurring problem.
BOOK NOWHow is lice diagnosed?
The most common sign of lice is itching on the scalp, caused by an allergic reaction to lice bites. However, not everyone with lice will experience itching right away, and an itchy scalp does not always mean it’s lice. Other signs to look for include:
- Visible lice or nits: Adult lice are small (about the size of a sesame seed) and can move quickly through the hair. Nits are tiny, oval-shaped eggs that stick to the hair shaft near the scalp and can be white, yellow, or brown.
- Tickling or crawling feeling on the scalp or hair.
- Red bumps or sores on the scalp, neck, or shoulders from scratching.
- Irritability or trouble sleeping, as lice are most active at night.
To confirm lice, it’s important to carefully examine the scalp and hair under bright light, using a fine-tooth comb if necessary. It may be helpful to wet the hair first.
If you’re unsure, our dermatologists can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the next steps.
How is head lice treated?
In many cases, lice can be treated at home. The best attack is a combination of over-the-counter treatments that contain ingredients like permethrin or pyrethrin along with carefully removing the bugs and eggs with a fine-toothed lice comb. After treatment, comb the hair with a lice comb once a day for two weeks to check for lice or nits.
Some products recommend re-treating the hair 7-9 days after the initial application. It’s important to follow all instructions carefully, including combing out nits and repeating treatment if necessary.
Be sure to soak all brushes and combs used by someone with head lice in very hot water for at least 10 minutes. Next, wash any infested clothing, sheets, blankets and hair accessories in hot water and dry on high heat. Anything that cannot be washed, such as stuffed animals, should be placed in a hot dryer for 30 minutes. Items that cannot be washed or dried, such as helmets or headphones, should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks to kill the bugs. Finally, vacuum floors and furniture thoroughly.
Check family and friends
It is important to check everyone who has been in close contact with someone who has lice, including their friends and family. Since it takes time for a lice infestation to show up, it is recommended to inspect everyone’s scalp each day for 10 to 15 days after the initial lice case is treated.
Unfortunately, despite best efforts, lice can sometimes become resistant to standard treatments or return after a short period.
If self-care steps do not help in getting rid of lice, our dermatologists can prescribe and recommend treatments that kill lice and prevent them from reoccurring.
Can dermatologists treat lice?
When lice persist despite at-home care, our dermatologists can step in with prescription-strength treatments and professional guidance. We offer:
- Prescription medicated shampoos or lotions that are more effective at killing lice and their eggs.
- Personalized treatment plans based on the severity of the infestation and individual needs.
- Follow-up care to ensure the lice are fully eliminated and to help prevent reinfestation.
- Advice on preventing future outbreaks and checking family members for lice.
Based on the severity of your case and your health history, your dermatologist may prescribe a topical treatment, an oral medication, or a combination of both. Common medications for treating lice include benzyl alcohol, malathion, Ivermectin, and Spinosad.
If you or your child is struggling with stubborn lice, we’re here to help you find relief and peace of mind. Find a Forefront location near you today.
1 Location in the Manitowoc, WI area
Booking an appointment has never been easier.
Available 24/7.