How long should one keep dichlorvos for lice? - briefly
Leave the medication on the affected area for 7 – 10 days, adhering to the label’s instructions. If any live lice are still present after the first week, a repeat application is advised.
How long should one keep dichlorvos for lice? - in detail
Dichlorvos (DDVP) is a short‑acting organophosphate used in some lice control products. The active ingredient remains effective for a limited time; therefore treatment must be timed precisely.
The standard protocol recommends a single application that stays on the hair and scalp for 10–15 minutes. After this interval the solution is rinsed thoroughly. A second treatment is usually scheduled 7–10 days later to eliminate any newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial exposure.
Key points for proper use:
- Apply the product to dry hair, ensuring full coverage of the scalp and all strands.
- Leave the solution in place for the specified 10–15 minutes; longer exposure does not increase efficacy and may raise toxicity risk.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and mild shampoo; avoid harsh soaps that could irritate the skin.
- Schedule a repeat dose after one week to address the life cycle of Pediculus humanus capitis.
- Observe the treated individual for signs of adverse reactions such as excessive salivation, sweating, or respiratory difficulty; seek medical attention immediately if these occur.
Safety considerations include wearing gloves during application, keeping the product away from eyes and mucous membranes, and storing it out of reach of children. Because dichlorvos degrades rapidly when exposed to air and sunlight, any leftover solution should be discarded after the prescribed exposure period; re‑using the same preparation is ineffective and unsafe.
In summary, the effective exposure window for dichlorvos in lice treatment is roughly ten to fifteen minutes per application, with a follow‑up dose one week later to ensure complete eradication.