When to Seek Medical Care

When to call the doctor

While lice can easily and effectively be treated with home-care methods, call your doctor if these conditions develop:

• if skin or scalp infections develop from scratching with symptoms such as discharge, redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness of the area;
  
  
• if home treatment doesn't work after using over-the-counter medications as directed (see below);
  
  
• for further testing for sexually transmitted diseases (if pubic lice are discovered);
  
  
• if itching continues even after treatment with over-the-counter antihistamines; and
  
  
• if lice persist and treatment has failed.

When to go to the hospital

• if infections from scratching are not improving, are worsening while you are on medications, or if other symptoms develop such as fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting
  
  
• if you develop an allergic reaction to medications (indicated by a rash, swelling to the lips or tongue or if you have any trouble breathing)

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