Is lice treatment safe while nursing?
I am have been nursing my 16 month old with no plans to wean until she decided she was ready. Two weeks ago my oldest daughter came home from school with head lice. After two treatments, she still had it and we decided to treat the whole family except for the baby since she has no nits. My doctor felt that if I used the Lice treatment, Nix, I should wean my daughter. Do you agree that weaning would be best?
Question:Debbi Donovan
Debbi Donovan is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader. For more than a decade, Debbi... Read more
Head lice are a very common problem, especially among children. Around six million children are affected each year. Head lice are tiny parasitic (crawling) insects, about the size of a sesame seed. They cannot live for more than a few hours unless on the human head. Head lice infestation peaks in September.
Head lice are not known to transmit any disease, but they can cause itching and extreme scalp irritation. The eggs, which are usually seen in hair at the back of the neck, behind the ears, and at the crown of the head, are attached to the hair shaft. They can not be easily moved (like dandruff.)
Nix (permethrin) is used to treat head lice infestations. It acts by killing both the lice and their eggs. Belgian researchers found (in analyzing 28 studies) that permethrin was the only pesticide that worked well and consistently.
According to The National Pediculosis Association (1-617-449-6487), unaffected family members should not be treated. Unless you have found lice or nits in your hair, treatment should not be necessary. If you have head lice, it has been found that absorption of permethrin (Nix) through the skin is less than two percent. It is rapidly metabolized and then excreted in the urine. Though the use of this medication has not been well-studied in relation to human lactation, "only very small levels have been found in cow's milk following topical application." (Hale, 1996) To treat head lice:
- Shampoo the hair with your regular shampoo. Do not use cream rinse or conditioner.
- Towel dry hair.
- Saturate the hair and scalp with Nix, concentrating on the areas behind the ears, the crown of the head, and the back of the neck.
- Allow Nix to remain in place for the time recommended on package.
- Thoroughly rinse hair.
- Dry hair, using a clean towel.
- In very good light (sunlight), comb the hair (while still damp) with a nit comb, starting at the scalp, to remove any remaining eggs (nits). Section off the hair with clips and do in sections. Dipping the nit comb in vinegar in between uses may help to dissolve the nit glue. If the nit comb does not effectively remove the nits, use your fingernails or tweezers to pick off the attached nits.
A few nits may be missed. For at least 2 weeks after treatment it is wise to check your child and remove any lice or nits on a daily basis. Some people also have success in preventing reinfestation by use of tea tree, coconut, or olive-oil shampoos.
To prevent reinfestation, wash all clothing, bedding and towels in hot water (at least 125 degrees.) Wash all hairbrushes and combs in very hot soapy water for 5 to 10 minutes. Thoroughly vacuum rugs, floors, and upholstered furniture. Throw away the vacuum cleaner bag when done. Best wishes in ridding your family of this annoying problem.
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