Ask the Pharmacist: HEAD LICE

Question: My 8 years old daughter lately developed into an itchy scalp. I am so bothered that she might have head lice (kuto). I don’t know how she gets it since I wash her hair every day. What can I do about it?

                                                                                       

Answer: Hearing the word head lice can gives shiver to anyone. What more if you found out that your child have it? I can imagine your reaction. But head lice infestation is common to children and they can get it once or twice. Though, it is not a sign of poor hygiene since lice do not have preferences whether clean or dirty hair.

You are not really sure that head lice are the cause of the itchy scalp. It may be due to other reasons. So the best thing to do at this stage is to check if there are lice. With the use of fine tooth comb (suyod), comb your daughter’s hair. It is best to do this after washing and conditioning the hair. Lay down a white sheet of paper and comb the hair over it. Pay attention at the nape and behind ears, for these are the parts which head lice likes to stay most. After combing for about 10 minutes, you will be looking for the live lice on the white paper or at the teeth of the comb. If you find live lice infecting the scalp, you need to treat your daughter. In this case, you also need to check the rest of the family. If you find live lice with any member of the family; they need to be treated at the same time.

There are products available over-the counter to treat head lice. It is always recommended to follow the instructions of each preparation.

1.      Kwell Reformulated Shampoo (Non-Rx)

Content: Permethrin

How to use: Apply enough shampoo to cover the hair and scalp. Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove dead lice and eggs.

Packing: Kwell Reformulated Shampoo 10 mg/1 mL x 30mL

                 Kwell Reformulated Shampoo 10 mg/1 mL x 60mL

2.       Licealiz (Regular Shampoo) (Non-Rx)

Content: Pyrethrin

How to use: Apply sufficient amount to cover the hair and scalp. Gently massage and leave the shampoo on hair for 10 minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly with water. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove dead lice and eggs. Use twice a week for 2 weeks to treat head lice and once a week to prevent recurrence.

Packing: Licealiz Regular 20 mg/10 mL x 10 mL

                Licealiz Regular 20mg/10 mL x 60 mL

3.       Licealiz (Soothing Coolness Shampoo) (Non-Rx)

Content: Pyrethrin

How to use: Apply sufficient amount to cover the hair and scalp. Gently massage and leave the shampoo on hair for 10 minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly with water. Use a fine-toothed comb to remove dead lice and eggs. Use twice a week for 2 weeks to treat head lice and once a week to prevent recurrence.

Packing: Licealiz Soothing Coolness 20 mg/10 mL x 10 mL

                Licealiz Soothing Coolness 20 mg/10 mL x 20 mL

4.       United Home Sulfur Ointment (Non-Rx)

Content: Sulfur

How to use: Apply twice daily.

Packing: United Home Sulfur 10% x 15 grams

                United Home Sulfur 10% x 30 grams

                                                                                Photo Courtesy of Joanna Ibarra

Remember that head lice treatments are more successful at eradicating live lice than killing the eggs. That is why, it is recommended to re-treat your child’s hair with the same product after 7 days to kill any remaining insects. Further fine combing will possibly remove eggs that have been stuck after the treatment. If after the second treatment, you still find live lice, you should change the product you are using with another one having different content. Go back to the list above or consult your local pharmacist if you are not sure. To help prevent future infestations, use tea tree oil or shampoo. They normally chase the bugs away.