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Fine Toothed Combs, Not Chemicals, Should Be Used To Treat Head Lice

(Head lice can be controlled without application of insecticide lotions)

Regular"wetcombing" through children's hair is more effective and environmentally friendly than repeat prescribing of insecticide lotion for the treatment of head lice, writes Dr Gill Lewendon in this week's BMJ. The Senior Clinical Medical Officer in South and West Devon Health Authority, Dr Lewendon says that combing through wet, well conditioned hair with a fine toothed comb every three days, physically removes lice, without the need for repeated chemical treatments, which do not prevent reinfection.

Contact:

Dr Gill Lewendon, Senior Clinical Medical Officer in South and West Devon Health Authority, Dartington Gill.Lewendon@sw-devon-ha.swest.nhs.uk

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