The first step is to identify the people who may be affected. Both the patient and any sexual partners should be included.
The affected person should bathe regularly with soap and water.
Examine and treat with a shampoo or lotion containing an insecticide:
(1) pubic hair
(2) axillary hair
(3) beard or facial hair
(4) head hair
The eyelashes are treated only if lice are seen (with 1% permethrin or vaseline).
Handling clothes and bed linen:
(1) Wash in soap and water.
(2) Heat treat (60°C for 40 minutes, 70°C for 30 minutes, ironing). Freezing may also be effective.
(3) Change frequently with clean items.
Items that cannot be heat treated should be treated with an insecticide powder.
The people should be followed for evidence of persistence or recurrence. The lice should be tested for sensitivity to the insecticide if resistance is a problem in the community.
Insecticides:
(1) pyrethrin (natural) or pyrethroids (synthetic) - permethrin, others
(2) malathion (organophosphate)
(3) ivermectin (with retreatment in 1-2 weeks to kill any hatchlings)
