Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser

Head Lice Advice

Last reviewed 1 July 2026 — Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed

A patient advice sheet — 8 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.

Last reviewed: July 2026

The advice

Head lice are common in schools, are not a hygiene problem, and do not transmit disease.
The prescribed topical treatment (such as permethrin): apply as instructed, and repeat after 9–10 days without fail, to kill lice hatching from remaining eggs.
Fine-tooth combing of wet, conditioner-coated hair every 3–4 days for two weeks greatly improves success.
Check all household members, and treat — at the same time — only those with live lice.
Wash pillowcases, towels, hats and hijabs used in the last two days in hot water with hot drying, soak combs and clips in hot water, and seal unwashable items in a bag for two weeks.
No need to disinfect the whole house — lice cannot survive away from the scalp for more than a day or two.
The child returns to school right after the first treatment; informing the school helps contacts get checked.
Itching may continue for two weeks after successful treatment, and empty eggs stuck to hair do not mean failure — what matters is no live lice.

See also the full treatment page: Head lice treatment — options, evidence and expected timelines.

My private clinic at Kuwait Hospital (Sabah Al-Salem) — direct assessment and a treatment plan built around your case.