How to use benzyl benzoate against lice? - briefly
Apply a 25% benzyl benzoate solution to dry hair, massage thoroughly, leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water; repeat the treatment after seven days to eliminate any newly hatched nits.Apply a 25% benzyl benzoate solution to dry hair, massage thoroughly, leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water; repeat the treatment after seven days to eliminate any newly hatched nits.
How to use benzyl benzoate against lice? - in detail
Benzyl benzoate is a topical acaricide that penetrates the exoskeleton of lice, disrupting their nervous system and causing rapid death. Effective use requires strict adherence to dosage, exposure time, and safety precautions.
Preparation
- Acquire a pharmaceutical‑grade solution (typically 25 % or 50 % benzyl benzoate in an appropriate carrier).
- Verify the product’s expiration date and storage conditions; store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
- Perform a patch test on a small skin area (e.g., inner forearm) 30 minutes before full application to detect possible hypersensitivity.
Application procedure
- Clean the scalp – Wash hair with a mild shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and towel‑dry until damp but not wet. Removing excess oil improves absorption.
- Measure the dose – For children over 6 months and adults, apply enough solution to saturate the hair and scalp, usually 5 ml per 100 g of hair. Do not exceed recommended volume.
- Distribute evenly – Using a clean applicator bottle or a dropper, pour the liquid onto the scalp, then massage gently with fingertips to ensure coverage of the entire scalp surface and hair shafts down to the roots.
- Leave on for the prescribed period – Maintain contact for 12 hours (overnight is common). Cover the head with a waterproof cap if needed to prevent runoff.
- Rinse thoroughly – After the exposure time, wash hair with warm water and a mild shampoo. Remove all residue; residual benzyl benzoate can cause irritation.
- Repeat the cycle – Perform a second treatment 7–10 days after the first to eliminate newly hatched nymphs, which are less susceptible to a single exposure.
Safety considerations
- Do not apply to broken skin, open wounds, or inflamed scalp.
- Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and the nasal cavity; if accidental exposure occurs, rinse immediately with copious water.
- Children under 6 months are contraindicated; consult a healthcare professional before treating infants or pregnant individuals.
- Store the solution out of reach of children; keep the container tightly sealed.
Post‑treatment measures
- Comb hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb after each wash to remove dead lice and eggs.
- Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for at least 48 hours to prevent re‑infestation.
- Monitor the scalp for signs of persistent infestation for two weeks; if live lice are observed after the second application, seek medical advice for alternative therapy.
Following these steps maximizes the efficacy of benzyl benzoate while minimizing adverse reactions, providing a reliable method for eradicating head‑lice infestations.