How long does a GP consultation take to work for head lice?

During a consultation, the clinician may inspect the scalp and hair for live crawling lice or firmly attached nits. The appointment can clarify whether itching is from an active infestation and which lice treatment suits the person being examined. It is the treatment, rather than the appointment, that acts on the lice. Itching or scalp irritation can linger briefly after live lice have been dealt with, so symptoms alone do not show whether treatment has worked.

Follow the product directions exactly, including how it is applied and whether a repeat application is needed. Check the hair in good light with a fine-toothed comb and follow the clinician’s instructions for household checks. Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, or hair accessories until everyone who needs treatment has been assessed. Do not apply several lice products together unless a clinician specifically tells you to. See [Head Lice](/conditions/head-lice/) for condition-specific guidance and [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) for what an assessment involves.

Contact the GP if live lice are still found after the recommended treatment plan, if the scalp becomes sore or develops spreading redness, or if a child has a reaction to a product. Arrange review when the diagnosis is uncertain or repeated treatment has not helped. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or a severe allergic reaction.

Ask whether live lice are present, which treatment is appropriate for the person’s age, when to repeat it, and how to check close contacts. Ask how to distinguish lingering itch from ongoing infestation and what to do if live lice remain.