Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for lice. Lice are tiny insects that can live on people's skin and in their hair, and cause itching. They lay eggs, called "nits," which then hatch into new lice.
Lice do not fly or jump. They are spread by person-to-person contact. It's also possible to get lice by sharing items like hats, combs, towels, or clothing.
To treat the lice, you need to get rid of the lice and nits from your hair. You also need to get rid of and kill the lice in your home so you don't get lice again.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Use a non-prescription shampoo, cream, or lotion that kills lice on your hair or body. In some cases, the doctor might prescribe you a stronger version. Either way, follow all the directions on the label.
●You can try "wet combing" if you do not want to use medicines. Wet combing means using a special fine-toothed comb and technique to carefully comb out nits and lice from your hair. This usually does not work as well as medicine to kill lice.
●Check all people who live with you for lice. Anyone else who has lice or who sleeps in the same bed as you should get treatment.
●Tell others who have close contact with you that you have lice so they can be checked as well.
●Wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water. Dry them on the hottest setting. Vacuum carpets and furniture. Put things you cannot wash into a sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks.
●If your child has lice and goes to school or day care, tell the staff your child has lice.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●The lice come back after treatment.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Lice (The Basics)
Patient education: Head lice (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Pubic lice (Beyond the Basics)
