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Warning-sign checks

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

    Get emergency help if a treatment causes trouble breathing, faintness, widespread hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

    Rinse off the product if this can be done safely, and do not use it again unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.

    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 has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • 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 care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, increasing pain, pus, or fever.

    These may indicate a skin infection.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical or pharmacy advice if:

    • You are unsure whether you have found live lice
    • Treatment was used correctly but live lice remain
    • Lice keep returning
    • The affected person is a young child
    • You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need treatment advice
    • You have pubic lice or may need testing for other sexually transmitted infections
    • Lice or nits are attached to the eyelashes or eyebrows

    If a child has suspected pubic lice, arrange medical assessment.

    Pubic lice can occasionally spread without sexual contact, but the child’s safety and possible routes of transmission need careful evaluation.

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