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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffUsually you can get rid of body lice by properly washing contaminated sheets, towels and clothes. In some cases you may need a nonprescription shampoo, such as Rid or Nix, that's specifically formulated to kill lice.
If these measures don't work, see your family doctor or a general practitioner. Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, including when you might have been exposed to body lice, who you might have exposed, and what bedding or clothing items might be contaminated.
- Bring a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
- Bring a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to soak up all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions ahead of time will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For body lice, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- How do I treat body lice?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
- How do I rid my household items of body lice?
- Who do I need to inform about my condition?
- What other measures do I need to take to avoid reinfesting myself or others?
- Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What Web sites do you recommend?
- What will determine whether I should plan for a follow-up visit?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment when you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may save time, allowing more time to cover points you want to address. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- How were you exposed to body lice?
- Is there anyone you might have exposed to lice?
- How severe are your symptoms?
What you can do in the meantime
If you think or know you have body lice, avoid sharing bedding, towels or clothing. Bathe and follow self-care measures including washing contaminated items in hot water.
