https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/treating-headlice-in-children-and-young-people-with-epidermolysis-bullosa-eb/
Treating headlice in children and young people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB)
This information sheet provides information about treating headlice in children and young people with EB.
What are head lice?
Head lice are small insects, up to 3mm long, that infest human hair and feed on blood from the scalp. Head lice eggs (nits) are brown or white and attached to the hair.
Head lice are very common in young children and their families. They are not caused by dirty hair and spread only by head-to-head contact.
How do head lice spread?
Head lice can only spread through head-to-head contact. They can’t jump, fly or swim- they crawl between hair shafts, and from one person to another.
Head lice can’t be spread by pets- they only live on human hair.
How do I know if my child has head lice?
Head lice can be difficult to spot but can make your child’s head feel itchy.
The only way to be sure your child has head lice is by finding live lice. You can do this by combing their hair with a special fine-toothed comb. You can buy these online or in pharmacies.
How can I get rid of head lice?
No treatment is 100% guaranteed. However, treatment is more likely to work if it’s performed correctly, and if everyone with head lice in the house is treated on the same day.
Treating children with EB for head lice can be difficult as it can cause abrasion to the scalp which can lead to infection and sometimes hair loss.
An emollient containing an antimicrobial agent (for example, Dermol 500) has been found to be effective in treating head lice in children with EB. Apply this to the hair and scalp before combing the hair through with a fine-toothed comb.
If you’re using over-the-counter head lice treatments, try to avoid any blistered, open, or irritated areas of the scalp. You can use a thick layer of Vaseline on these areas to protect them.
It’s important to treat head lice quickly and effectively, as scratching may cause infection and damage to the scalp, which can lead to crusting and permanent hair loss.