Head lice.
BACKGROUND
Head lice infestation is a very common problem in children and causes a high level of anxiety among parents and childcare workers.


OBJECTIVE
In this article we attempt to clarify issues of diagnosis and treatment of head lice and offer recommendations for dealing with head lice.


CONCLUSIONS
Head lice are a nuisance, but they do not transmit infectious diseases. Control includes detection with wet comb technique. Treatment is usually with a topical pediculicide, but regular mechanical removal with conditioner and a comb is an alternative. Treatment failure can be the result of inadequate application of the treating product, pediculicide resistance, or failure to re-treat at 7-10 days. Reinfestation (and therefore apparent treatment failure) is common.
Frydenberg
Alexis
A
Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.
Starr
Mike
M
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D009946:Organothiophosphorus Compounds; D010374:Pediculus / Q000254:growth & development; D008517:Phytotherapy; D011722:Pyrethrins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D017211:Treatment Failure
D007306:Insecticides; D009946:Organothiophosphorus Compounds; D011722:Pyrethrins