A 21-year-old member asked:
My kid caught lice and scratches a lot, and his scratches become septic?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Philip Rosenblumanswered
Family Medicine 30 years experience
Not likely: The word "septic" is an infection in the blood, usually with a gram negative, intestinal organism such as e coli. Even if the child breaks the skin and ends up with an infection on the skin, it is usually with a gram poitove such as staph or strep.They are less likely to spread to the blood from that source. Beside that, the skin of the scalp is tough and a little less likely to develop infection.
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6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Joseph Easternanswered
Dermatology 46 years experience
Treat lice: Sepsis is not an issue if his immune system is okay, but you need to treat the lice. Nix (permethrin) cream rinse and kwell shampoo do not work consistently. Elimite cream (left on all night) is reported to be effective but is not officially approved for head lice. Malathion lotion is effective, but stinks and is flammable. Oral Ivermectin works, but requires a doctor's prescription.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 21, 2014
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