What are head lice?
Head lice are tiny insects, about the size of a sesame seed, that live on the scalp and lay eggs (nits) on hair close to the scalp. They spread by head-to-head contact, which is why they’re common in school-age kids.
They don’t jump or fly, don’t spread disease, and pets can’t carry them.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Pediculosis (head lice).
Common symptoms
- Itchy scalp, especially behind the ears and at the back of the neck
- Tiny eggs (nits) stuck firmly to hair near the scalp
- Live lice moving in the hair
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will help confirm it’s lice, ask about everyone in the home, and check ages and any allergies or pregnancy.
They’ll recommend or prescribe a treatment and explain exactly how to use it, including the second treatment 7 to 10 days later that catches any newly hatched lice. We’ll also show you how to wet-comb with a fine-toothed lice comb. Only treat people who actually have lice.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Isopropyl myristate and cyclomethicone (Resultz)dissolves the lice’s outer coating; for ages 4 and up
- Dimeticone (NYDA)suffocates lice; no insecticide
- Permethrin 1% (Nix)an insecticide cream rinse
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Lice treatments are usually bought off the shelf, but some plans cover them when a pharmacist prescribes them. We’ll check before you pay.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- The child is under 2 years old
- The scalp is red, swollen, oozing or crusty (it may be infected)
- Lice are still there after two full rounds of treatment
- Lice or nits are in the eyelashes
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.