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Warning-sign checks

Head lice: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help after using a treatment if there is trouble breathing, severe wheezing, fainting, or swelling of the face, mouth or throat.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if scratching has caused increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, heavy crusting, spreading redness or fever.

    These may be signs of a skin infection.

    Contact your local poison service promptly if a lice product is swallowed or seriously misused.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
    • has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine advice from a pharmacist or healthcare professional if:

    • You are unsure whether you have found live lice
    • Live lice remain after treatment was used exactly as directed
    • The scalp is badly irritated or treatment causes a persistent rash
    • Lice or nits appear on the eyelashes or eyebrows
    • Treatment is needed for a very young child
    • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need help choosing a product

The article also says

Head lice themselves are not an emergency.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Head lice. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.