What can be used to poison lice on the head? - briefly
Over‑the‑counter pediculicides such as 1 % permethrin, pyrethrin‑based sprays, or silicone‑based dimethicone lotions effectively kill head lice, while prescription treatments include malathion, ivermectin, or benzyl alcohol formulations. All must be applied according to label instructions to ensure complete eradication.
What can be used to poison lice on the head? - in detail
Effective control of head lice requires agents that act directly on the parasite’s nervous system or cuticle. The most reliable options fall into three categories: prescription pharmaceuticals, over‑the‑counter (OTC) products, and certain regulated natural substances.
Prescription treatments include permethrin‑based lotions (1 % concentration) and malathion lotion (0.5 %). Both are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended period (usually 10 minutes for permethrin, 8–12 hours for malathion), then rinsed. They are approved for use in children older than two months and have demonstrated high cure rates when instructions are followed precisely.
OTC options comprise pyrethrin‑containing shampoos, dimethicone‑based creams, and spinosad lotion (0.9 %). Pyrethrins require a second application 7–10 days after the first to eliminate newly hatched nits. Dimethicone works by physically coating lice, immobilizing them without neurotoxic effects; it is safe for infants and pregnant individuals. Spinosad, a bacterial‑derived insecticide, offers a single‑application regimen with rapid knockdown of adult lice.
Regulated natural agents such as tea‑tree oil (5 % concentration) and neem oil have shown limited efficacy in controlled studies. They may be employed as adjuncts but should not replace approved insecticides. Essential‑oil preparations lacking standardized concentrations are not recommended due to inconsistent results and potential scalp irritation.
Application guidelines:
- Separate hair into sections for thorough coverage.
- Use a fine‑toothed comb after treatment to remove dead insects and nits.
- Wash bedding, hats, and personal items in hot water (≥ 55 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks.
- Avoid re‑infestation by limiting head‑to‑head contact for at least one week.
Resistance monitoring is essential; repeated failure with permethrin or pyrethrins may indicate resistant lice strains, necessitating a switch to malathion, spinosad, or dimethicone. Always consult a healthcare professional before initiating treatment in young children, pregnant persons, or individuals with skin conditions.