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Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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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
  
  
• 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)