profession
Head lice treatment guidelines updated by AAP
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 9, 2010
Pediatricians should be knowledgeable about head lice infestations and treatments and serve as a resource on the subject for schools and families, according to a revised clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The report, published in the August Pediatrics, recommends that physicians prescribe the over-the-counter permethrin 1% lotion for children with head lice. The AAP encourages a second application of the medication seven to 10 days after the first use. Doctors also can prescribe pyrethrins to treat lice if the child is not allergic to chrysanthemums, the extract of which is used to create pyrethrins (link).
When drug resistance occurs or if treatment does not work, physicians should use malathion 0.5% in patients who are 24 months and older. The AAP said other treatments, such as removing lice from wet hair using a fine-toothed comb, can be considered for patients who cannot afford pediculicides, or for those who prefer not to use them.
The report also said children with lice should not stay home from school, because head lice has a low risk of being contagious in classrooms.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/08/09/prbf0809.htm.
