Can Telemedicine Treat Lice (Pediculosis)?

Audience: pediatric

Lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and cause itching. They spread easily among children, especially in schools. Telemedicine can help by allowing a healthcare provider to look at the scalp through video or photos and give advice on how to treat lice safely at home. Treatment usually involves special shampoos or combing out lice and their eggs. Telemedicine is useful for checking symptoms, guiding treatment, and answering questions. However, some situations need in-person care, such as when lice keep coming back or if the scalp looks infected. If your child has severe itching, swelling, or sores, it is important to see a healthcare provider in person. Telemedicine can be a helpful first step to manage lice, but it does not replace hands-on care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Scalp redness, swelling, pain, or pus indicating infection — seek in-person medical care promptly.
• Severe itching causing sleep loss or distress — consult healthcare provider urgently.
• Lice returning after multiple treatments — requires in-person evaluation for resistant lice or other issues.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of scalp for lice via video or photos
• Providing guidance on lice treatment and prevention
• Answering questions about lice and treatment steps

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing or treating scalp infections or sores
• Managing severe allergic reactions or complications
• Performing physical removal of lice or eggs

What Are Head Lice?

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. They are common in children and spread through close head-to-head contact. Lice do not jump or fly but crawl quickly. They cause itching and sometimes small red bumps on the scalp or neck.

How Can Telemedicine Help With Lice?

Through telemedicine, a healthcare provider can examine the scalp using video calls or photos. They can confirm if lice are present and recommend treatment options. Telemedicine allows you to ask questions about how to use lice treatments and how to prevent spreading lice to others.

Typical Treatments for Lice

Treatment often includes special medicated shampoos or lotions that kill lice. Combing the hair with a fine-toothed comb helps remove lice and their eggs (nits). It is important to follow instructions carefully and repeat treatment if needed. Cleaning bedding, hats, and brushes can help prevent re-infestation.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has a scalp infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or pain, they need to see a healthcare provider in person. Also, if lice keep coming back despite treatment, or if your child has severe itching or allergic reactions, in-person care is important.

Preventing Lice Spread

Teach children not to share hats, combs, or pillows. Regularly check your child's hair if there is lice in the community. Early detection helps stop lice from spreading to others.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a well-lit area for the video call or take clear photos of the scalp.
• Have a fine-toothed lice comb available to show or use during the visit.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, treatment history, and questions.
• Ensure the child is comfortable and cooperative during the visit.
• Have any lice treatment products on hand, if already started.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
• Use a lice comb to remove lice and nits regularly.
• Wash bedding, hats, and clothing in hot water to prevent re-infestation.
• Check family members and close contacts for lice.
• Schedule a follow-up telemedicine visit if symptoms persist or worsen.

FAQs

Can telemedicine confirm if my child has lice?

Yes, healthcare providers can often identify lice by examining the scalp through video calls or clear photos. However, sometimes an in-person check may be needed for a closer look.

What treatments are recommended for lice?

Common treatments include medicated shampoos or lotions designed to kill lice. Using a fine-toothed comb to remove lice and eggs is also important. Your provider can guide you on safe and effective options.

How long does it take to get rid of lice?

Treatment usually takes a few days to a week. You may need to repeat treatment after 7 to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. Regular combing helps speed up removal.

Can lice cause serious health problems?

Lice themselves do not spread disease, but scratching can cause skin infections. If you notice redness, swelling, or pus, seek medical care promptly.

How can I prevent my child from getting lice again?

Avoid sharing hats, combs, and pillows. Teach children to avoid head-to-head contact with others. Regularly check your child's hair if lice are common in your community.

Sources

1. Head Lice - MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Head Lice - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
3. Head Lice - Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic.
4. Pediculosis (Lice) - Merck Manuals Consumer Version — Merck & Co., Inc..

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your child's health, especially if red flags are present, please seek care from a healthcare provider in person.