What should you know about head-lice mousse?

Mousse is applied to the hair and scalp rather than swallowed. Products differ in their active ingredients, contact time, need for rinsing, and instructions about wet or dry hair. Some work mainly by affecting the louse, while careful combing helps remove lice and eggs.

A product may not relieve itching immediately, and itching alone does not show that treatment has failed. Confirm active lice by inspection or combing. See [Head Lice](/conditions/head-lice/) or [Itchy Scalp](/symptoms/itchy-scalp/).

Read the complete label before opening the product. Protect the eyes and face, apply only as directed, keep the mousse away from broken skin unless the label permits use, and wash hands afterwards. Never apply extra product or combine different lice treatments. Follow instructions about repeating the application, and use a fine-toothed comb as part of the plan when advised.

Keep treated hair and personal items from close contact until the label’s precautions have been followed. Do not share combs, brushes, hats, towels, or pillows. Check close contacts and treat confirmed live lice. Read [Head Lice Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/head-lice-treatment/).

Use a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if the person is very young, pregnant, has a scalp condition, or the diagnosis is uncertain. Seek prompt help if mousse causes eye exposure, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, blistering, or a rapidly worsening rash. Arrange review when live lice remain after correct use.

Ask whether the mousse is suitable for the person’s age and scalp, how much to apply, whether it needs repeating, how to manage irritation, and how to confirm that live lice are gone.