Lice Treatment: HSA Eligibility

What is lice treatment?

Lice treatment is a series of medications, shampoos and other products that are designed to eliminate lice, which are tiny, wingless insects that feed on the blood of their host and will reproduce indefinitely if treatment is not sought out. Lice is spread through close personal contact and the sharing of belongings, and there are a variety of lice types, including head lice, body lice and pubic lice which all have their own unique treatment regimens to eliminate (WebMD). These include:

• Body Lice: In most cases, body lice will clear up with self-care measures such as frequent bathing and washing one's bed sheets frequently and will not require a more advanced form of treatment. However, if the infestation does not clear up, over-the-counter products for head lice can be effective on the body and to treat clothing that may have become infested with lice (Mayo Clinic).
• Head Lice: This is by far the most difficult infestation to treat and will require extreme diligence to clear up completely. Individuals who have a head lice infestation will typically begin treatment with over-the-counter products like shampoos containing pyrethrin or permethrin, which can kill lice and their eggs over the course of several treatments. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary, such as topical medicines and lotions like Malathion, benzyl alcohol lotion, ivermectin lotion, spinosad topical suspension and lindane (MedicineNet.com).
• Pubic Lice: This type of lice that is found around the genital areas can be treated with many of the same OTC and prescription treatments that are used to destroy head lice. However, because some of these products can be harmful to the skin with repeated usage, it's advisable that patients consult their physicians to find the ideal product that will be safe to use on more sensitive areas around the genitals (MedlinePlus).