Pharmacists

With the exceptions of the common cold, head lice affect more school-aged children than all other communicable diseases combined. Head lice is the most prevalent form of lice infestation in the United States, affecting approximately 10 million to 12 million individuals. This type of infestation occurs mostly in children aged 3 to 12 years. The peak times for outbreaks of head lice are usually after the opening of the school year between August and November but infestations are now common year round.

Studies show that the public wants to receive more advice from their pharmacist, and the trend in pharmacy practice is to provide more consultative services. Pharmacists have an opportunity to provide a leadership role in their communities to develop a safe and standardized approach to controlling head lice.