Pediculosis Treatment: Topical Administration (A9180)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Names: Lice Treatment, Head Lice Treatment
• Medical Term: Pediculosis Treatment, Topical

Summary

Lice treatment using a topical medication that the patient or caretaker can apply. This procedure involves applying a medicated lotion or shampoo directly to the infested areas to eliminate lice and their eggs.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Head lice, body lice, pubic lice (crabs)
• Goals: To eradicate lice infestations, relieve itching and discomfort, and prevent the spread of lice to others.

Indications

• Symptoms: Itching, visible lice, nits (lice eggs) attached to hair shafts, sores from scratching
• Criteria: Presence of lice on hair or body, visual confirmation by a healthcare provider

Preparation

• Instructions: Wash hair with regular shampoo, towel-dry hair but leave slightly damp, do not use conditioner.
• Assessments: Visual inspection by healthcare provider, possibly a lice comb-through to confirm infestation.

Procedure Description

1. Step-by-Step:

   • Apply the recommended amount of topical treatment to dry or slightly damp hair.
   • Massage medication thoroughly into the scalp and hair, covering from root to tip.
   • Leave the treatment in for the manufacturer’s recommended time, generally 10 minutes to several hours.
   • Rinse out the treatment thoroughly with water.
   • Use a fine-tooth lice comb to remove dead lice and nits.

2. Tools and Equipment:

   • Medicated shampoo or lotion
   • Fine-tooth lice comb

3. Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration

The entire procedure typically takes between 20 to 60 minutes, including application and rinsing time.

Setting

Generally performed at home following instructions from a healthcare provider.

Personnel

• Primary: Patient or caretaker
• Supporting: Healthcare provider for initial guidance and follow-up if needed.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild irritation, redness, or itching at the treatment site.
• Rare Risks: Allergic reactions, severe skin irritation.
• Complications Management: Rinse the affected area with water, seek medical advice for severe reactions.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Eradication of lice and eggs, relief from itching and discomfort.
• Timeline: Lice are typically killed within one treatment, though a second treatment is usually recommended 7-10 days later.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Continue checking for lice and nits, use a lice comb daily, wash bedding and clothing in hot water.
• Recovery Time: Immediate return to normal activities, follow-up treatment usually needed within 7-10 days.
• Restrictions/Follow-Up: Limit close head-to-head contact and sharing of personal items until lice are fully eradicated.

Alternatives

• Other Options:
  • Oral medications for resistant lice
  • Manual removal and home remedies (e.g., vinegar, tea tree oil)
• Pros and Cons:
  • Oral medications may be more effective but have more side effects.
  • Home remedies are less expensive but less proven and more time-consuming.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Mild tingling or itching from the treatment.
• Post-Procedure: Potentially a mild smell from the medication, generally, hair will feel normal after rinsing. Pain is not typically associated with this treatment. Comfort measures include using a clean, soothing environment and avoiding scratching.

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