Head lice

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

So lice was found on a resident. Hair was washed and combing started. Stopped because resident had fragile, dry scalp and there was bleeding. Two shifts later, many eggs remain and live lice. Should this person be in a private room/ isolation until the active lice area killed and removed?

What is your policy?

[wanderlustnurse88, RN]

From my experience at summer camp we usually coat the hair in Vaseline to suffocate the lice. Wondering if you could try that. Not too sure about the isolation though.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Yeah, I'm somewhat of an expert for at home/ kids but was looking for ltc info.

[Miss Rayanne]

I would check the roommate for lice. If he or she has has nits or if you find a louse, might as well keep them in the same room. Otherwise I would give the patient a private room, if possible. Be sure to wash and dry all of their clothes, bedding, towels, etc in the hottest setting possible. Deep clean their room too.

If you don't mind me asking, why was her scalp bleeding. Was the medicating shampoo too irritating?

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Resident came from home. Had dry flakey scalp with some accumulation on the hair. (Perfect for feeding the lice!) Those lice combs are kinda sharp and just shampooing a bit aggressively pulled up some skin.

I'm a bit mad that all staff with direct contact weren't notified. (I found out by chance)

[Whit2389]

I would think contact precautions at the least. Definitely make staff aware and either separate roommates or treat roommate prophylactically.