Anything for lice? - briefly
Effective treatments comprise over‑the‑counter pediculicides such as permethrin or pyrethrin, and prescription options like ivermectin or malathion. Hair can be cleared further by using a fine‑tooth comb on damp, conditioned strands.
Anything for lice? - in detail
Lice infestations require prompt identification and decisive action. Adult head‑lice are 2–4 mm long, gray‑brown, and cling to hair shafts close to the scalp. Nits appear as tiny, oval, yellowish or white structures firmly attached to the strand; they can be distinguished from dandruff by their immobility and proximity to the scalp.
Effective control combines chemical or mechanical treatment with thorough cleaning of personal items. The following options are widely recognized:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion – over‑the‑counter preparation applied to dry hair for 10 minutes, then rinsed; a second application after 7–10 days eliminates newly hatched lice.
- Pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide – fast‑acting shampoo that kills mobile lice; repeat treatment in 7 days addresses emerging nymphs.
- Spinosad 0.9 % suspension – prescription‑only product; single 10‑minute application eliminates both lice and most nits, no repeat needed.
- Ivermectin 0.5 % lotion – topical medication for resistant infestations; applied for 10 minutes, repeat after 7 days if live lice persist.
- Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion – non‑neurotoxic option; suffocates lice within 10 minutes, repeat after 7 days.
- Dimethicone 4 % lotion – silicone‑based formulation that immobilizes lice; single application, no repeat required.
- Lindane 1 % shampoo – limited use due to neurotoxicity; reserved for cases unresponsive to safer agents.
- Manual removal – fine‑toothed nit comb used on wet, conditioned hair; repeated every 2–3 days for at least 2 weeks.
Mechanical removal must accompany chemical treatment to reduce reinfestation. Comb hair while saturated with a conditioner or a dedicated lice‑comb solution; wipe comb after each pass to prevent cross‑contamination.
Environmental decontamination involves washing clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and drying on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for 2 weeks, a period exceeding the lice life cycle.
Preventive measures include:
- Avoiding head‑to‑head contact in communal settings.
- Not sharing hats, hair accessories, or combs.
- Conducting routine scalp inspections in schools or daycare centers.
Special populations require tailored approaches. Pregnant or nursing individuals should prefer dimethicone or manual removal, avoiding neurotoxic agents. Children under 2 years are contraindicated for most insecticide shampoos; consult a pediatrician for appropriate therapy.
Successful eradication hinges on adherence to the prescribed schedule, meticulous nit removal, and consistent hygiene practices. Failure to repeat treatments or to address contaminated personal items typically results in resurgence.