Experiencing a lice infestation can be stressful, especially if the initial treatment does not yield the desired results. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to stay calm and take a strategic approach to effectively tackle the problem. Below are several steps to consider if your hair lice treatment fails.
Confirm the presence of lice:
First, ensure that lice are indeed still present. Sometimes, the symptoms of itching can be confused with other scalp conditions. Use a fine-toothed nit comb on dry hair to carefully check for live lice or nits (lice eggs). If you find more lice or nits, it’s clear that the treatment was not effective, and you’ll need to explore further options.
Reevaluate the treatment used:
Consider the product you initially used. Some lice treatments may not work due to resistance in certain lice populations, particularly those containing pyrethrins or permethrin. Check local resistance patterns and consider trying a treatment with a different active ingredient, such as spinosad, ivermectin, or benzyl alcohol, which may be more effective against resistant lice.
Consult a healthcare professional:
If home treatments fail, consulting a healthcare professional or a dermatologist is advisable. They can provide guidance on alternative treatments, prescribe stronger medications if necessary, and help identify any underlying issues contributing to the infestation. A professional can also recommend a suitable course of action tailored to your specific situation.
Implement inclusive removal techniques:
Even with effective lice treatments, it’s essential to pair them with thorough removal techniques. Regularly use a nit comb to meticulously comb through the hair, focusing on the scalp and behind the ears, where lice and nits often hide. This physical removal is important to ensure that any remaining nits or lice are eliminated.
Wash and disinfect:
Reassess your home and personal items to minimize the risk of reinfestation. Wash all bed linens, clothing, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks to kill any lice. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats thoroughly to remove any fallen lice or nits.
Educate and communicate:
If you have children in school or daycare, communicate with the school about the ongoing issue. They may implement measures to help prevent further spread among classmates. Educate your family about lice prevention strategies, such as avoiding head-to-head contact and not sharing personal items like hats or hairbrushes.