FAST FACTS: TREATING LICE

Karen Bassett of Southern Oregon Pediatrics in Medford, a registered nurse with more than 20 years of experience, offered the following treatment advice:

• Purchase an over-the-counter head lice treatment, such as Nix or Rid.
• Follow all instructions, which include shampooing with a medicated product and patiently combing through hair to remove nits (tiny, pearly eggs).
• Flush nits down the sink or toilet to prevent any hatching.
• Thoroughly launder bedding, towels and clothes. Anything that can’t go through the washer but will fit in the dryer (pillows, stuffed animals) should spend 20 minutes on a hot cycle to kill the lice. Alternatively, put all comforters, soft toys and bedding in plastic trash bags. Tie tightly and leave for two weeks to kill lice.
• Vacuum carpets and furnishings, being sure to empty liners or clean canisters so no new nits will hatch.
• Spray hard surfaces with a bleach cleaner.
• After a week, the affected person should go through another round of medicated shampoo and combing, in case any nits were missed and have now hatched.