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Lice treatment

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Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available)

Walk-ins welcome — no appointment necessary!

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Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

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Need to know more about lice treatment? We’ve got you covered.

What are lice?

Lice are tiny, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and other animals. The lice that affect other animals cannot be spread to humans, but the lice that affect humans are easily spread from one person to another. They are most common among young children. An intense, itchy, crawling feeling on the head may be a sign of lice. Head lice can only crawl. They cannot jump or fly. This is why head-to-head contact is the most common way of spreading lice from one person to the next. Other ways to spread lice include sharing:

  • Coats
  • Hairbrushes and combs
  • Hats
  • Pillows
  • Scarves
  • Towels

There are actually 3 kinds of lice that can affect humans. Head lice are the most common. They cause itching of the scalp (top of the head). The other kinds of lice are body lice, which affect the body only, and pubic lice, which are also called “crabs” and affect only the groin area. All 3 types of lice are spread by human-to-human contact or by contact with infested things like towels or combs.

It’s a myth that only “dirty” people get lice. In truth, lice affect millions of people each year regardless of income, age or gender. While regular shampooing and bathing can reduce the chances of getting lice, these methods are not a perfect defense against lice.

What symptoms can occur with lice?

The most obvious symptom of lice is intense itching, which is sometimes bad enough to interfere with sleep. Other symptoms include:

  • A crawling sensation
  • Seeing bugs (light-brown and look like a sesame seed)
  • Seeing eggs (yellow, brown, or tan and the size of a pinhead)
  • Swollen lymph glands (especially in the neck)

It may be surprising, but it is possible to have lice without having any itch or irritation. It can take a few weeks after getting lice before you start to itch. This is why schools do periodic checks for lice and why entire families are treated even when only a single person has symptoms of lice. Children are especially susceptible to lice, due to close contact with peers in places like school and camp.

Getting help

  1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment:

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Lice causes, symptoms and treatment

Most lice treatments are topical (applied right on the skin and hair) and require 2 applications, spaced about a week apart (this is to ensure that any lice that hatch after the first treatment are killed). In rare cases, lice may be resistant to standard treatments, and prescription-strength medications may be required. Your provider will help make the right decision for you.

Your MinuteClinic® provider can also offer solutions for ensuring lice do not remain in bedding or other areas of your home only to re-infest your family after treatment is complete. It takes 2 weeks for lice to die on their own, so it’s often necessary to do a lot of washing (temperatures of at least 130.0ºF are required) and drying (hot cycle) to make sure they do not come back.

Lice prevention

MinuteClinic providers can diagnose lice by looking for the insects or their eggs in your hair or on your skin. This is usually done under a bright light with a dark-colored comb. In some cases, wetting the hair makes it easier to spot the lice.

MinuteClinic providers can assess your symptoms and examine you. They can develop a treatment plan and prescribe any necessary medication.

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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