Head Lice
Head lice infestation
What it is
Head lice are tiny insects that live close to the roots of the hair and feed on human blood. They spread mainly through direct hair-to-hair contact and are common among children who attend school or childcare.
What you can do at home
What to do
Check the hair
- Check your children’s hair regularly, especially at the beginning of the school year or after camp or vacation.
- Check the hair every day if the child frequently scratches the back of the head
- Check the hair every day if head lice have been found in a family member or close contact.
- Pay particular attention to the areas behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
- Use a fine-tooth lice comb to check for lice. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Treat head lice
- If lice is found, obtain a treatment from a pharmacy as soon as possible.
- Ask a pharmacist to recommend the appropriate treatment.
- Follow the recommended treatment schedule.
- Use a fine-tooth lice comb to remove lice and nits (eggs).
- Wash hands after applying the treatment.
- Change clothing and bedding after each treatment.
To prevent spreading head lice
- Avoid head-to-head contact.
- Do not share combs, brushes, hair clips, or hats.
- Keep long hair tied back.
- Clean personal items
- Clean combs, brushes, and bedding and regularly used items
Clean the environment
- Vacuum carpets and sofas.
- Clean clothing, bedding, and personal items.
- Soak items that have touched the head in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Dry clothing and bedding on a hot dryer setting for 20 minutes.
- Place small items that cannot be washed in a sealed plastic bag for 10 days.
If a lice treatment product is swallowed, call the Québec Poison Control Centre immediately at 1-800-463-5060.
Avoid
- Products designed for animals.
- Spraying insecticide in the home, as this is ineffective.
Quand aller à l’hôpital sans attendre
Eye irritation after treating infested eyelashes
Head lice in a baby aged 6 months or younger
Difficulty identifying head lice or confirming that lice is present
Itching that continues for a week after the last treatment despite following the recommended advice
Lice or nits (eggs) are still present after 2 treatments given 3 to 7 days apart.
Repeated infestations despite treatment (treatment resistance)
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
A lice treatment product gets into the eyes and severe pain continues for more than 30 minutes, even after rinsing the eye