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Head Lice

That school lice letter doesn't have to mean panic. Bring your child to our Orleans pharmacy: a licensed pharmacist can confirm whether it's actually an active infestation (nits alone often aren't), prescribe the right treatment, and walk you through the comb-out and household plan that prevents round two. Free with your Ontario health card.

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. They're very common in school-aged children and spread mainly through direct head-to-head contact. They are not a sign of poor hygiene, and pets don't spread them.

Confirm first, treat second

A live, moving louse confirms an active infestation. Nits (eggs) alone — often mistaken for dandruff — may just be leftovers from an old, resolved case, and itching can take weeks to start after infestation. That's why confirmation matters before treating a child's scalp with insecticide. When treatment is warranted, the critical steps are: repeat the application in 7–10 days (no product reliably kills all eggs), comb out nits, and check every household member.

An estimated 1–3% of elementary school children have head lice at any given time. No-nit school policies aren't recommended by pediatric authorities — a properly treated child can return to class the next day.

Common signs and symptoms

Itchy scalp — though itching can take weeks to appear
Live lice visible on the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the neckline
Nits (eggs) glued to hair shafts near the scalp
Tickling or crawling sensation on the scalp
Disturbed sleep — lice are most active at night

Treatments our Orleans pharmacist can prescribe

For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.

Pediculicides: Cyclomethicone, Dimeticone, Isopropyl myristate, Permethrin, Piperonyl butoxide, Pyrethrins

Self-care that helps

Dimeticone (NYDA) — non-insecticidal; coats and suffocates lice; resistance unlikely
Isopropyl myristate/cyclomethicone (Resultz) — dissolves the louse's outer shell
Permethrin 1% (Nix, Kwellada-P) — the long-standing insecticidal cream rinse
Fine-tooth nit combs — essential for removing nits after treatment
Wash recently used bedding and clothing in hot water (≥50°C); check all household members

Browse related over-the-counter options in our Head Lice self-care collection, or ask us in store — our pharmacists will point you to what actually helps.

How the assessment works

1. Walk in or callNo appointment or referral needed. Drop by our pharmacy on St-Joseph Blvd in Orleans during opening hours, or call ahead.

2. Private consultationA licensed pharmacist reviews your symptoms, health history and medications in a short, private assessment.

3. Prescription in handIf appropriate, we prescribe and fill your treatment on the spot — you leave with what you need.

Frequently asked questions

The treatment didn't work — now what?

First question: was it repeated in 7–10 days? Missing the second application is the most common reason for 'failure,' since no product kills all eggs. If two properly spaced courses truly failed, resistance is possible and we'll switch you to a different mechanism — the non-insecticidal products (dimeticone) aren't affected by resistance.

Does my child have to stay home from school?

No. Canadian pediatric guidance is clear: after starting treatment, children can return to school the next day. No-nit policies aren't evidence-based.

Do we need to fumigate the house?

No. Lice survive less than about 3 days off a human head. Hot-wash bedding, towels, and hats used in the previous 48 hours, bag what can't be washed for a few days, and vacuum — that's sufficient.

Is the pharmacist assessment covered by OHIP?

Yes. The minor ailment assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. You only pay for the medication itself if one is prescribed, and that is often covered by your drug plan.

Do I need an appointment at your Orleans pharmacy?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during all pharmacy hours — Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. You can also call 613-824-3111 ahead of your visit.

When to see a doctor instead: See a health-care provider if treatment has failed after two properly applied courses (possible resistance), the scalp shows signs of infection (spreading redness, pustules, swollen neck glands), or lice are found in the eyelashes or eyebrows.

Lice letter? Stay calm, come in.

Skip the walk-in clinic wait. Our Orleans pharmacists assess and prescribe for head lice — free with your Ontario health card.

Call 613 · 824 · 3111 Hours & directions

Serving Orleans and east Ottawa — Fallingbrook, Avalon, Chapel Hill, Queenswood Heights, Blackburn Hamlet, Navan & Cumberland. 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orleans, ON K1C 1G5.