Your Pharmacist Talks Lice Prevention & Treatment

It’s that time of year again…it’s time to talk about head lice!

There are many over the counter pharmacy products used to treat head lice, including Nix, Results, etc. that work in different ways to effectively treat lice infestations. There are also many natural remedies available to you to help prevent and treat lice.

The best practice is to use a hair mask/shampoo, then a vinegar rinse, followed by nit combing. Here are some of the natural ways to prevent and treat lice:

1. STEP 1: Apply a coconut/olive oil mask – These oils work to suffocate the lice. Apply generously to the scalp and hair and leave on for 6 hours then rinse.

2. STEP 2: Apple cider vinegar & aloe rinse – While it does not kill adult lice, it’s a necessary next-step as it is acidic enough to break down the glue that binds lice to your scalp. It also kills nits, and can repel lice from attaching to the scalp. Apply liberally from scalp to hair tips. Do not rinse.

3. STEP 3: Follow up with a nit comb.

A note on essential oils – there are many essential oils that prevent and treat lice. Not all oils are safe to use on children, and never put oils directly onto the skin. They should always be diluted in a carrier oil first (eg. olive, coconut, sweet almond, etc.). We recommend adding tea tree oil and lavender oil to any of the above treatment methods for optimal effectiveness.

If you're looking to purchase any of the above remedies, whether a traditional OTC or the masks and rinses described above, stop by the Apothecary. The rinse is available in bulk (bring a bottle - a spray bottle is most effective) and we'll fill it up for you. We can also mix the coconut oil hair mask with the appropriate percentage of essential oils added.

Prevention: It is recommended to use the apple cider vinegar / aloe conditioning spray weekly as a prevention method.

If you or a family member are experiencing an active infestation, talk to your pharmacist about the best treatment options for your family.

5 Things You Didn't Know Your Pharmacist Could Do!

Pharmacists in Nova Scotia have an expanded scope of practice and can provide an array of clinical services that you may not have heard about yet. This is exciting news – since pharmacists are often one of the most accessible healthcare providers. Below, are 5 examples of services they can provide.

1. Pharmacists in Nova Scotia can renew prescriptions.

Pharmacists are able to prescribe refills for prescription medications drugs for up to six months, when appropriate. Your pharmacist will determine if continuing the therapy is appropriate for you by conducting an assessment. The assessment will involve a discussion with you and, in some cases, conducting tests (such as taking your blood pressure). Your pharmacist may review any relevant lab test results to determine if therapy is still appropriate (PANS, 2020). Nova Scotia residents with a valid health card are eligible for 4 renewal assessments per year at no cost (NS Pharmacare, 2021).

2. Pharmacists in Nova Scotia can provide injections

Authorized pharmacists may administer many immunizations, including those for the prevention of seasonal influenza, Covid-19, hepatitis A and B, herpes zoster (“Shingles”), human papilloma virus (HPV), Depo-Provera (contraceptive), and some travel vaccinations (PANS, 2020). At this time, flu and covid shots are the only publicly funded vaccines administered in pharmacies. Other immunizations may be provided by your pharmacist and may be covered by your private drug plan, health spending account, or other medical benefits plan. For information on specific costs for immunization services please contact your pharmacy (PANS, 2020).

3. Pharmacists in Nova Scotia can prescribe for urinary tract infections

Urinary Tract Infections are among the top 5 reasons for emergency room visits across Canada (Smith, 2018). Pharmacists can assess and prescribe treatment for uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 16 or older. If there are other factors that are complicating your UTI discovered during the assessment, the pharmacist may tell you to see a doctor or nurse practitioner for assessment and treatment. Residents with a valid Nova Scotia Health care are eligible for 2 assessments a year at no cost (NS Department of Health and Wellness, 2021).

4. Pharmacists in Nova Scotia can prescribe contraception

Pharmacists can be the primary provider of contraception (the pill, patch, injection, etc.), including ongoing management of contraception for the purpose of birth control. This service is only for those seeking a method of birth control. Pharmacists cannot provide this service for other indications (such as managing menstrual cramps, acne, etc.). During the assessment process, they will work with you to determine the therapy that best meets your needs. You and your pharmacist will select the most appropriate method of birth control based on your medical history, medications, risk factors, guidelines and your preferences (PANS, 2021). Residents with a valid Nova Scotia health card are eligible for this service at no cost.

5. Pharmacists in Nova Scotia can prescribe for the treatment of shingles

About 130,000 Canadians are diagnosed with shingles each year, according to Immunize Canada, and the rate is slowly climbing (Immunize Canada, 2020). An early start of antiviral medications for patients with shingles (herpes zoster) is very important (PANS, 2021). Treatment must begin within 72 hours of symptom onset to work properly. Pharmacists can complete the assessment and if deemed appropriate, will provide patients with antiviral treatment (PANS, 2021). Residents with a valid Nova Scotia health card are eligible for 2 assessments per year at no cost (NS Department of Health and Wellness, 2021).

[1] Prescription Renewals: Assessing and Prescribing | Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia. (n.d.). Pans.ns.ca. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://pans.ns.ca/prescription-renewals-assessing-prescribing

[2] Healthcare services available from pharmacists | novascotia.ca. (n.d.). Novascotia.ca. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/healthcare-services.asp

[3] Immunizing and Injecting | Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia. (n.d.). Pans.ns.ca. https://pans.ns.ca/public/pharmacy-services/immunizing-injecting

[4] Beahm, N. P., Smyth, D. J., & Tsuyuki, R. T. (2018). Outcomes of Urinary Tract Infection Management by Pharmacists (RxOUTMAP): A study of pharmacist prescribing and care in patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infections in the community. Canadian Pharmacists Journal / Revue Des Pharmaciens Du Canada, 151(5), 305–314. https://doi.org/10.1177/1715163518781175

[5] Birth Control Management: Assessing and Prescribing | Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia. (n.d.). Pans.ns.ca. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://pans.ns.ca/birth-control-management-assessing-prescribing

[6] Canada, P. H. A. of. (2007, July 18). Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide. Aem. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-8-herpes-zoster-(shingles)-vaccine.html

[7] Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Assessing and Prescribing | Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia. (n.d.). Pans.ns.ca. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://pans.ns.ca/herpes-zoster-shingles-assessing-prescribing