What can be used to cure lice and nits? - briefly
Effective treatment combines a licensed insecticide—such as 1 % permethrin lotion, 0.5 % malathion, or oral ivermectin—with meticulous combing of wet hair using a fine‑toothed nit comb to eliminate remaining eggs. Re‑application after 7–10 days ensures eradication of any newly hatched lice.
What can be used to cure lice and nits? - in detail
Effective elimination of head lice and their eggs requires a combination of chemical agents, mechanical removal, and environmental control.
Chemical treatments approved for over‑the‑counter use include permethrin 1 % lotion, pyrethrin combined with piperonyl butoxide, and dimethicone‑based silicone lotions. These products are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes for permethrin, 8 hours for dimethicone), then rinsed thoroughly. Resistance to permethrin has increased in many regions; therefore, a second application after 7–10 days is often advised to target newly hatched nymphs.
Prescription options expand the therapeutic arsenal. Malathion 0.5 % lotion, applied for 8–12 hours, is effective against resistant strains but requires careful handling due to flammability. Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion kills lice within 10 minutes but does not affect eggs, necessitating a repeat treatment after one week. Spinosad 0.9 % suspension, applied for 10 minutes, offers a single‑dose solution with high efficacy. Oral ivermectin, dosed at 200 µg/kg, provides systemic action for cases unresponsive to topical agents; it is contraindicated in children under 15 kg and in pregnancy.
Mechanical removal complements pharmacologic measures. A fine‑tooth (0.2 mm) nit comb, used on wet hair with a conditioner, extracts live insects and viable eggs. Repeated combing every 2–3 days for two weeks eliminates residual stages. Silicone‑based oils (e.g., dimethicone) serve both as a suffocating agent and a lubricant that eases combing.
Alternative natural substances have limited scientific support. Tea‑tree oil (5 % concentration) and neem oil demonstrate some pediculicidal activity in vitro, but lack consistent clinical data; they may be considered adjuncts when conventional products are unavailable.
Environmental measures reduce reinfestation risk. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C, then tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags promptly. Personal items such as combs, brushes, and hats require soaking in hot water (≥ 50 °C) for at least 10 minutes.
Safety considerations include age restrictions (permethrin and pyrethrin approved for children ≥ 2 months, dimethicone for ≥ 6 months), potential skin irritation, and the need to follow label instructions precisely. In cases of allergy, severe irritation, or treatment failure after two attempts, consult a healthcare professional for alternative regimens.