How should benzyl benzoate be used for lice? - briefly
Apply a 25 % benzyl benzoate solution to dry hair, ensuring the scalp and every strand are fully coated, leave for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any surviving nits.
How should benzyl benzoate be used for lice? - in detail
Benzyl benzoate is applied as a topical pediculicide in a 25 % solution, typically diluted in a carrier such as mineral oil or a non‑greasy lotion. The preparation should be evenly spread over the entire scalp and hair, ensuring complete coverage from the roots to the tips. Use a fine-toothed comb to distribute the liquid and to separate hair strands, facilitating penetration of the active ingredient.
The recommended exposure time is 10 minutes for the first application. After this period, the product must be rinsed thoroughly with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo. A second treatment is required 7–10 days later to eliminate any newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial dose. Repeat applications beyond the second cycle are unnecessary unless reinfestation occurs.
Safety considerations:
- Perform a patch test on a small skin area 24 hours before full application; discontinue use if irritation, redness, or rash develops.
- Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin. If accidental exposure occurs, rinse immediately with copious water.
- Children under 2 years of age, pregnant or lactating women, and individuals with known hypersensitivity to benzyl benzoate should not use the product.
- Do not apply to scalp with open wounds, eczema, or psoriasis lesions.
Precautions for household members:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat after the first treatment.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture; discard or isolate items that cannot be laundered.
- Inform close contacts of the treatment schedule so they can inspect and, if necessary, treat their own hair.
Storage instructions:
- Keep the solution in a tightly sealed container, away from direct sunlight and temperatures above 30 °C.
- Store out of reach of children; label the container with the expiration date and dosage instructions.
Effectiveness monitoring:
- Inspect the scalp 48 hours after each application for live lice or viable nits; use a fine-toothed comb under bright light.
- If live insects persist after the second treatment, consider an alternative pediculicide and consult a healthcare professional.