Can I consult with a doctor on Laso MD about lice?

Certainly. The healthcare professional may recommend a physical examination to identify symptoms or signs of lice.

Before providing a lice diagnosis, the practitioner might use a specialized light to check for lice eggs, also known as nits. Once the lice diagnosis is confirmed, the healthcare provider can suggest appropriate lice treatment options based on the affected area.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Yes, you can. Laso MD physicians have the authority to prescribe lice medications online during your consultation. Upon accepting the prescription for lice treatment, you’ll have the flexibility to pick it up from a nearby pharmacy or have it delivered to your door at no additional cost.

 

What is lice?

Lice refers to tiny parasitic insects that feed on human blood. Wingless and unable to fly or jump, they are typically transmitted through direct contact. This is why lice are commonly found in schoolchildren and confined living spaces where close personal contact and the sharing of belongings are prevalent.

There are three types of lice, each infesting specific parts of the body:

1. Head lice
2. Body lice
3. Pubic lice (commonly known as “crabs”)

 

What are the symptoms of lice?

The primary symptoms and signs of lice include:

1. Intense itchiness (around the infested area)
2. Nits on hair shafts
3. Bite marks (especially in the pelvic region)
4. Discovery of lice on the scalp, body, in hair, or on clothing
5. Ticklish sensations (caused by lice movement through the hair)
6. Sores on the shoulders, neck, or scalp

 

What causes lice?

Contrary to popular belief, lice are not caused by poor hygiene. It is possible to have excellent hygiene and still contract lice. Lice are transmitted through direct contact with living lice or nits (lice eggs).

Various situations can lead to the spread of lice, including:

1. Contact with contaminated furniture or surfaces
2. Sharing items with family and friends
3. Storing items in close proximity, facilitating lice transfer
4. Direct head-to-head or body-to-body contact
5. Sexual contact

 

How are lice diagnosed?

A healthcare practitioner can diagnose lice by evaluating your condition and conducting a physical examination to check for signs of lice. They may also use a “Wood’s light,” which makes nits appear pale blue under the light, facilitating easier detection.

For head lice, the practitioner looks for live lice or nits within ¼ inch of the scalp. Body lice can be diagnosed if nits or live lice are found on bedding or in clothing seams. Pubic lice are identified by searching for crawling lice in pubic hair or other areas with coarse hair, such as the chest, facial hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes.

 

How are lice treated?

Lice treatments require meticulous attention to prevent a recurrence from unhatched eggs.

The female louse has a lifespan of about one month, with eggs taking 8 days to hatch and an additional 8 days to mature enough to lay their own eggs. Once mature, they can each lay between 7-10 eggs per day and survive up to 55 hours without a host (on clothing, bedding, etc.). Considering these facts, it’s clear how overlooked lice can lead to a swift recurrence.

Depending on the circumstances, the healthcare practitioner may recommend over-the-counter products for head lice. In some cases, they might suggest prescription lice medications, including oral or topical drugs for lice treatments.

For individuals seeking alternatives or young children, the healthcare practitioner may propose the ‘wet combing method’ to remove nits and lice.

Body lice treatments involve bathing and applying a medication called permethrin to affected areas before bedtime. The medication must be washed off in the morning, and this lice treatment typically lasts around nine days.

Similar to head lice, pubic lice often require prescription medications as part of the recommended lice treatments.

Additionally, a thorough cleaning of living spaces (furniture, clothes, frequently touched surfaces, etc.) is crucial for lice treatment. This prevents hidden unhatched eggs from causing a reoccurrence.

If the healthcare provider cannot find living lice but detects nits further than ¼ inch from the scalp, it may indicate that the initial infestation has passed. However, suggestions for removing existing nits will still be provided to prevent lice from recurring.

 

When to consult a doctor for lice?

If you suspect a lice infestation in yourself or your child, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a healthcare provider promptly.

Lice do not resolve on their own, even if symptoms diminish or disappear temporarily. Residual lice eggs from a previous instance can hatch, leading to a complete recurrence. If lice reappear, any precautions or treatments must be repeated entirely to break the cycle.

In certain cases, prescription lice medications may be necessary for effective treatment. The healthcare provider will determine the most suitable course of action for your specific situation.

 

What is Laso MD?

With Laso MD, you can initiate a conversation with a healthcare provider about your symptoms within minutes. We are a healthcare app providing fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

Simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll promptly connect you to a healthcare provider through live chat or video. Explore our How It Works page for more details.

Our healthcare team can evaluate symptoms and offer online treatment, including prescriptions if needed.