3 Tips for Dealing with Head Lice As an Adult

Many people believe that head lice is no longer a problem once one finishes school. While there are between 6 and 12 million cases of head lice each year in children age 3 to 11, lice is not just a problem for kids. Adults of any age can also get head lice. The problem is that many adults are unsure about what they should do when they end up with an itchy scalp due to these parasites. Here are three tips for adults dealing with head lice.

Seek the Help of Medical Professionals

While there are plenty of combs and over-the-counter shampoos that can help deal with a lice infestation, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a medical professional. A doctor can confirm that the patient is suffering from head lice and recommend over-the-counter treatments. In some parts of the country, lice have developed a resistance to these treatments. In these areas prescription medications may be required. Prescription treatments include benzyl alcohol, malathion, and lindane. 

Check Out Lice-Removal Services

An adult who hasn't had to deal with head lice since childhood may be unaware that there are now salons that specialize in the removal of lice. These lice-removal services use lice-killing shampoo and treatments along with lice-removing combs in order to clear an infestation. These services do not come cheap. They can cost anywhere from $70 to $100 per hour and may be more expensive in some areas. The good news is that some insurance companies will cover at least part of the cost of these services. 

Prevent the Spread

Another thing that adults should know is that taking measures for head-lice prevention is very important. It may even be necessary to take a few days off work while dealing with a head-lice infestation. Any clothing, bed linens, towels, or other items used during the infestation should be washed in hot water. Lice and eggs are killed by five minutes of exposure to temperatures greater than 128.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Other prevention measures that should be taken include avoiding close contact with others and not sharing hats or clothing during this time. Vacuuming the entire area can also help prevent a new infestation. 

Getting lice as an adult can be a hassle. A visit to the doctor can help an adult come up with a treatment plan. There are also lice-removal services that can help adults deal with these pesky parasites. Taking steps to prevent the spread of head lice is also very important.

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