Head lice natural history

Template:Head lice Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Prognosis

Lice are usually killed with proper treatment. However, lice may come back, especially if the source is not corrected. For example, a classroom with many infected children can cause kids to repeatedly get lice. When one case is detected in a family or a school or child-care center, every child at that location should be examined for head lice. This can help prevent further spreading.

Complications

Some people will develop a secondary skin infection from scratching. Antihistamines can help relieve the itching.