How can lice be gotten rid of with medication? - briefly
Effective treatment involves applying a pediculicide—such as permethrin 1 % lotion or a malathion-based shampoo—according to the product’s instructions, then repeating the application after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched insects. Adjunctive oral ivermectin may be prescribed for resistant cases or when topical options fail.
How can lice be gotten rid of with medication? - in detail
Effective pharmacologic treatment of pediculosis involves selecting an appropriate agent, applying it correctly, and managing reinfestation risk.
First‑line topical insecticides include permethrin 1 % lotion, pyrethrins combined with piperonyl butoxide, and dimethicone 4 % lotion. Apply to dry hair, saturate strands, leave for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes for permethrin, 8 hours for dimethicone), then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial exposure.
Second‑line options address resistance to pyrethroids. These comprise malathion 0.5 % lotion, benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion, spinosad 0.9 % suspension, and ivermectin 0.5 % lotion. Follow manufacturer instructions for contact time; most require a 10‑minute exposure before rinsing. Oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) may be used for severe cases, administered as a single dose with a repeat dose after 7 days.
When using any medication, observe these safety measures:
- Verify the product is approved for the age group of the patient.
- Perform a patch test on a small scalp area to detect hypersensitivity.
- Avoid application to broken skin or open wounds.
- Keep the medication away from eyes, ears, and mouth.
Adjunctive measures enhance treatment success:
- Comb wet hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb at 2‑day intervals for 2 weeks.
- Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove fallen lice and eggs.
Monitoring after treatment includes inspecting the scalp daily for live lice and nits. Persistence of live insects after the second application indicates possible resistance; consider switching to a different class of medication.
In summary, successful eradication relies on correct product selection, strict adherence to application guidelines, repeated dosing, and thorough environmental decontamination.