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Head lice - Management
Basis for recommendation
Regular detection combing
- The recommendation that detection combing is the best way to identify a head lice infestation quickly is based on expert opinion [Ibarra, 1998; PHMEG, 2008].
Bug Busting® days
- A pilot scheme within one primary care trust using the Bug Busting® kit as first-line treatment, combined with participation in national Bug Busting® days in 62 local primary schools, reported a 24% decrease (£2300) in spending on prescriptions for head lice treatments during the financial year of the pilot scheme, compared with the previous year [Ibarra et al, 2007].
Prevention of infestation
- CKS found no evidence that products marketed as head lice repellents are effective. There is concern that prophylactic use of insecticidal treatments puts individuals at greater risk of toxic effects than if head lice treatments are used appropriately, only when a live louse has been found.
- There is no evidence that head lice treatments used prophylactically are effective, and there is concern that prophylactic use of insecticidal treatments could increase the risk of toxic effects. They should only be used if a live louse is found [PHMEG, 2008].
- There is no evidence that measures beyond normal personal hygiene, housekeeping, and laundry can prevent reinfestation [Ibarra, 1998].
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