Smart approach to head lice

Head lice are small bugs that live on the scalp. They mainly cause itching. Lice do not jump or fly: they pass mainly through direct hair-hair contact (heads close together, playing, hugging). (RIVM)

Cognizing head lice: this is how to check properly

Checking properly is step 1. Wet combing works best:

Make the hair wet and put cream rinse in (do not rinse).
Comb out tangles first with a regular comb.
Then comb with a fine-toothed lice comb, picking by picking, from the scalp.
Look extra carefully behind the ears and in the neck.

Do you see live lice? Then start treating the same day. Nits (eggs) are close to the scalp and are white/brown. Many parents confuse empty nits further from the scalp with "active infestation."

Treating head lice: 14 days of combing (and possibly a remedy)

The most important treatment is: comb with a lice comb every day for 14 days, until you find no live lice for three checks in a row.

You can combine this with an anti-head lice remedy. Agents with dimeticon are often preferred. (kiddi.rivm.nl) Always follow the package insert and repeat treatment as advised (often after 7-9 days). This catches lice that hatch from eggs after the first treatment. Even if you use a remedy, daily combing remains necessary for 14 days.

What usually isn't necessary?

Many parents will do extra washing and cleaning. This is usually not necessary. Cleaning or disinfecting items is not necessary, and washing stuffed toys or bedding usually isn't necessary either. Want to do it anyway (for a more secure feeling)? Then hot washing (>60°C) or putting the stuffed animals in a plastic bag for two days is sufficient.

Prevent reinfestation: check - comb - repeat - inform

Head lice often return due to reinfestation. This helps:

Recommend informing school/BSO and other immediate contacts.
Check all housemates at the same time and treat at the same time if necessary.
Set the re-infestation in your calendar right away.

Remedies for head lice: without a prescription and (sometimes) with a prescription

Without a prescription we can provide you with:

a good (preferably metal) lice comb,
cream rinse for wet combing,
anti-head lice remedies, for example with dimeticon.

Most of the time you don't need a prescription and you don't need to see your doctor. Do contact your doctor if inflamed wounds develop (e.g. pus from scratching), or if it keeps coming back despite proper combing and treatment. In persistent situations, a doctor may sometimes consider prescription treatment.