Pediculosis Humanus Capitis
(Head Lice)
James Sullivan
UPEI School of Nursing
November 2009
Edited by Lindsay Williams
November 2011
What is Head Lice?
• Head Lice or “Lice” are tiny insects that are typically
found living on the scalp. Head lice feed themselves
by biting the scalp of humans.
• Approximately 6-12 million people worldwide get
head lice every year between the ages of 5-12
• Adult lice lay eggs that attach directly to individual
strands of hair (nits).
What is Head Lice… (Continued)
• Lice have three
different life stages
(egg, nymph, and
the adult).
Life Stages Of Head Lice
• Eggs (commonly referred to as “nits”) are oval
shaped and approximately the size of a grain of sand.
- Whitish/grey or tan in color.
- Nits stick to the shaft of the hair close to
the scalp (for warmth).
- Nits look similar to dandruff but are
firmly attached to the hair strand.
- Nits hatch in approximately 9-10 days.
Life Stages of Head Lice (Continued)….
• Nymphs are baby lice (after hatching).
- They look similar to adult lice but much
smaller. Nymphs mature into an adult
about 7 days after hatching.
Life Stages of Head Lice (Continued)….
• Adult lice have 6 legs and are approximately the size of a
sesame seed (2 to 4mm) and are tan in color. Once
hatched, lice are often difficult to see as they change
their color to match the environment.
- If untreated, adult lice can live for up to
30 days on a human head.
- Adult lice do not survive away from the
scalp (will die within 3 days).
Transmission (Spread) of Lice
• Head lice is very communicable (spreads easily) in
situations where people are in close contact with other
people.
• Head lice is most common
amongst school age children
or young children attending
child care services
(1 in 10 children).
Transmission (Spread) of Lice
(Continued)…
FACT: Lice are spread through direct hair to hair
contact. Head lice is also commonly spread by indirect
contact such as sharing things like hats, combs,
hairbrushes, hair accessories, and headphones.
Transmission (Spread) of Lice
(Continued)…
• MYTH: Head lice do not fly (wingless) or hop
(however, they can crawl quickly). Nits (eggs) are
firmly attached to hair strands and do not fly from one
head to the next.
• MYTH: Head lice that live
on humans cannot live on
pets (cats or dogs etc).
How will I know if I find lice?
• Often times, the first sign that someone may have head
lice is an extremely itchy scalp caused by a reaction to the
bites. Other symptoms include tickling feeling
(something moving in hair), irritability, and sores on the
head caused by scratching (these sores can sometimes
become infected).
• It is possible to have head
lice without any sign
or symptom.
• Prevention (screening) is the best way to reduce the
spread of infestation.
Checking for Head Lice….
• Ensure good lighting is available.
• Have the child sit upright while the examiner either sits or stands
behind the client.
• Head lice can move quickly through the hair and can be difficult
to see (as they adapt color), Nits are sometimes easier to see as
they do not move.
• Lice are typically found
close to the scalp particularly
at the bottom of the neck
(nape of neck) and behind
both ears.
Checking for Head Lice…. (Continued)
• Using 2 wood applicators (non-sterile) per child is
recommended. Dispose of applicators following each
child and wash / disinfect hands.
• Begin by part hair in
small sections and move
from one side of the head
to the other. Check
carefully by looking close
the scalp.
Checking for Head Lice…. (Continued)
• Nits often appear similar to hair dandruff. It is
important to note that nits are firmly attached to hair
strands (like glue) while dandruff is often not attached
directly to the hair.
• If it is easily dislodged from the hair, it is most likely
dandruff and not an egg.
Important Tips….
• While screening children, if you think you may have
found nits or lice contact your team
leader or school health nurse
for additional support.
• Confidentiality!
• Ensure sensitivity surrounding
the child’s feelings.Anyone can
get lice and no one is immune (children or adults). Lack
of cleanliness does not cause head lice (stigma).
Found lice? There are treatment options!
• Canada currently has approved the use of three
insecticides to treat head lice.
- Pyrethrin
- Permethrin
- Lindane
• Nix and R&C were the most commonly recommended
products by pharmacists in your area!
• Lindane can be toxic. This product should be avoided
on infants and children younger than 2 years of age.
• Prescriptions are not required.
Treatment... (Continued)
• A noninsecticidal product (Resultz) has also been
approved for use in Canada. This product should only
be
used in children over
the age of 4. This
product works by
breaking down the exoskeleton (skin) of lice.
Treatment Tips…
• Read and carefully follow the directions on the package.
• Do not leave the
shampoo / rinse
on any longer than
directed.
• Rinse hair (cool water) in the sink and not in a bath or
shower to avoid other body parts coming in contact with
the product.
Treatment Tips... (Continued)
• It is important to remember to repeat the treatment in 7 to 10
days following the initial treatment (to ensure any newly
hatched lice are killed before maturing).
• Do not treat anyone with a head lice product that does not
have a confirmed case.
• Check all family members if someone in the house has head
lice.
• Carefully check all sections of the head. Remove nits by using
fingernails to drag nits down the hair shaft. As no product is
100% effective against killing the nits
Other Treatments?
• Home remedies such as mayonnaise, petroleum jelly,
olive oil, tea tree oil, vinegar, or aromatherapy have been
shown to make it hard for lice to breath. No evidence
suggests it effectively kills all nits or lice.
Home Disinfection
• Although head lice do not live long off the scalp; to avoid reinfection or transmission to other person it is recommended to
clean all hats, combs/brushes, pillowcases, bed sheets, stuffed
animals etc. Avoid the use of insecticide sprays.
- Wash items in hot water
and dry in a hot
dryer for 15mins.
- Store items in an airtight plastic bag for 2
weeks.
- Vacuum surfaces where heads may have rested
(sofas, helmets, car seats, etc).
Help control the spread of head lice…
• Discourage head to head contact.
• Avoid sharing of scarves, hats, hair brushes, and hair
accessories.
• Tie long hair back in braids.
• Check young children regularly for head lice.
• Start lice screening today!
Questions?
Thank You