Image Source
© 2007 Interactive Medical Media LLC. All rights reserved.
Head lice are usually found in hair, most often on the back of the neck and behind the ears. Head lice are common in preschool and elementary school-age children. Adults can get them too, especially adults who live with school-aged children.
The most common treatment is an over-the-counter or prescription cream, lotion, or shampoo. You apply it to the skin or scalp to kill the lice and eggs. In some cases, you may need treatment a second time to make sure that all the eggs are dead. Some medicines don't kill the eggs. Be sure to follow all instructions exactly. In some areas, lice may be resistant to certain medications. Speak to your doctor about which medicine may be best to treat the lice.
Some people have an allergic reaction to lice bites that causes itching for 7 to 10 days after the lice and eggs have been killed. Steroid creams or calamine lotion can relieve the itching. If you have severe itching, antihistamine pills may help. But don't give antihistamines to your child unless you've checked with the doctor first. Read more about the symptoms, treatments, and prevention of head lice.
Slideshow: Bug Bites Pictures Slideshow: Identifying Bugs and Bug Bites
Article: Lice - Topic Overview
Article: Understanding Lice and Scabies - Treatment
Article: Understanding Lice and Scabies - Prevention