What are the products called that fight lice? - briefly
Products that eliminate head lice are called pediculicides, encompassing shampoos, lotions, sprays, and creams designed to kill lice and their eggs. They are also marketed as lice treatment, lice remover, or lice control products.
What are the products called that fight lice? - in detail
Products designed to eliminate head‑lice infestations fall into several distinct categories. Chemical pediculicides contain insecticidal agents such as permethrin (1 % concentration), pyrethrins, malathion (0.5 %), spinosad (0.9 %), benzyl alcohol (5 %), or ivermectin (0.5 %). These agents disrupt the nervous system of the parasite, causing paralysis and death. Formulations include lotions, shampoos, creams, and aerosol sprays; each is applied to dry hair, left for a specified period (typically 10 minutes), then rinsed. Instructions stress thorough coverage from scalp to hair tips and avoidance of contact with eyes.
Non‑chemical options rely on physical mechanisms. Dimethicone‑based products, often marketed as silicone lotions or oils, coat the louse and its eggs, obstructing respiration and causing desiccation. Concentrations range from 4 % to 10 % dimethicone, applied for 8–12 hours before rinsing. Essential‑oil preparations (e.g., tea‑tree, neem, rosemary) contain terpenes that act as repellents or ovicidal agents; efficacy varies and regulatory bodies generally classify them as cosmetics rather than drugs.
Mechanical devices complement chemical or silicone treatments. Fine‑tooth nit combs, typically with 0.15‑mm spacing, remove live insects and nits when used on wet, conditioned hair. Heated combs or air‑flow devices raise the temperature of the scalp and hair to 50–55 °C, killing lice without chemicals. Both methods require repeated sessions over 7–10 days to address newly hatched lice.
Combination regimens improve success rates. A typical protocol may begin with a dimethicone lotion, followed by a second application after 7 days, and concurrent use of a nit comb at 2‑day intervals. For resistant infestations, a spinosad lotion applied twice, 7 days apart, is recommended. Safety considerations include avoiding use on children under two months for permethrin, monitoring for skin irritation, and adhering to label‑specified maximum frequencies.
Regulatory classification differentiates prescription‑only pediculicides (e.g., malathion) from over‑the‑counter products (permethrin, dimethicone). Manufacturers must provide data on efficacy, resistance monitoring, and adverse‑event reporting. Consumers should verify that products carry appropriate approvals (FDA, EMA) before purchase.