Paediatrics, by video or in person
Head Lice
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Head Lice
- An itchy scalp, especially behind the ears and at the back of the neck
- Tiny moving insects in the hair
- Small white or brown eggs stuck firmly to hairs near the scalp
- Red marks or sores from scratching
- Several children in the same home or class scratching
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and lay eggs, called nits, glued to the hair close to the roots. They spread by head-to-head contact, so they are common among school children and the people they live with. They do not jump or fly, and having them says nothing about how clean a child is. Itching is the usual sign. Lice are cleared by careful combing of wet hair with a fine-toothed comb, or by a lotion from a pharmacy, repeated after a week. Kerosene, insecticides and petrol are dangerous and must never be used on a child's head.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- An itchy scalp, especially behind the ears and at the back of the neck
- Tiny moving insects in the hair
- Small white or brown eggs stuck firmly to hairs near the scalp
- Red marks or sores from scratching
- Several children in the same home or class scratching
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if treatment has not worked after two rounds, the scalp has sores that weep or crust, or your child is under two years old. Go to a hospital if kerosene, petrol or an insecticide has been put on a child's head and the child has a burning scalp, breathing difficulty, vomiting or drowsiness, or if scalp sores come with fever and swollen glands.
Treatment options
- Wet combing: conditioner on wet hair, then a fine-toothed lice comb from root to tip
- Repeating wet combing every three to four days for two weeks
- A head lice lotion such as dimeticone from a pharmacy, applied twice a week apart
- Checking everyone in the household and treating only those with live lice
- Washing pillowcases and hats in hot water
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Do I need to cut or shave my child's hair?
No. Combing and the right lotion clear lice from any length of hair. Shaving is not needed unless the family prefers it.
Can I use kerosene to kill lice?
Never. Kerosene, petrol and insecticides burn the scalp and can poison a child through the skin or fumes. Use a lice comb or a lotion made for lice.
Should my child stay home from school?
No. Start treatment straight away and let the school know, so other parents can check their children too.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatrics specialist near you.
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