How to get rid of lice with ointment? - briefly
Apply a medicated ointment containing permethrin or pyrethrin to clean, damp hair, covering the scalp to the tips, leave for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the treatment after seven days and comb the hair with a fine‑tooth lice comb to remove any remaining insects and nits.
How to get rid of lice with ointment? - in detail
Topical ointments provide a direct method for eliminating head‑lice infestations. The formulation delivers insecticidal agents to the scalp, ensuring contact with both adult insects and nymphs.
Common active ingredients include permethrin (1 % concentration), pyrethrin combined with piperonyl‑butoxide, malathion (0.5 %), and ivermectin (0.5 %). Each agent attacks the nervous system of lice, causing rapid paralysis and death. Resistance patterns vary; permethrin resistance is reported in many regions, making ivermectin a useful alternative.
Application procedure
- Apply the ointment to dry hair, ensuring coverage from the scalp to the tips of all strands.
- Massage gently to distribute the product uniformly.
- Allow the medication to remain on the scalp for the time specified on the label, typically 10 minutes for permethrin and up to 30 minutes for malathion.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water; avoid shampooing for at least 24 hours to preserve residual activity.
- Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to target newly hatched nymphs that survived the first application.
Precautions
- Verify age‑specific approvals; some formulations are contraindicated for children under two months.
- Conduct a patch test on a small skin area to detect potential allergic reactions.
- Avoid use on broken or inflamed skin; discontinue if irritation develops.
- Store the ointment at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, to maintain potency.
After treatment, remove dead lice and eggs using a fine‑toothed comb. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal non‑washable items in plastic bags for two weeks. Regular inspection of the scalp for a minimum of three weeks helps confirm eradication.
«The ointment should be left on the scalp for the full recommended duration to ensure maximum efficacy.»