What can be used to treat the head for lice? - briefly
Effective scalp lice control relies on approved pediculicides such as 1 % permethrin shampoo, pyrethrin‑piperonyl‑butoxide lotion, or, when resistance is suspected, prescription agents like malathion, benzyl alcohol, or oral ivermectin; mechanical removal with a fine‑tooth comb after treatment enhances eradication, and a repeat application 7–10 days later eliminates any newly hatched nits.
What can be used to treat the head for lice? - in detail
Effective control of head lice requires a combination of chemical and mechanical strategies, proper application, and follow‑up inspections.
Over‑the‑counter pediculicides remain the first line of defense. Permethrin 1 % cream rinse is applied to dry hair, left for ten minutes, then rinsed; repeat after seven days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs. Pyrethrin products, combined with piperonyl butoxide, act similarly but may be less effective where resistance is documented. Benzyl‑alcohol lotion (5 %) suffocates lice; it must stay on the scalp for ten minutes before washing, with a second treatment after nine days. Spinosad 0.9 % suspension is applied to damp hair, left for ten minutes, and does not require a repeat dose in most cases. Ivermectin 0.5 % lotion, prescribed in some regions, penetrates the exoskeleton and kills both lice and eggs after a single application; a second dose may be advised after one week.
Prescription options include malathion 0.5 % shampoo, which remains on the scalp for eight to twelve hours before rinsing, and is reserved for resistant infestations. Dimethicone‑based products, such as a silicone oil spray, coat insects and obstruct respiration; they are safe for children over two months and do not rely on neurotoxic mechanisms.
Mechanical removal complements chemical treatment. Wet combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb, performed on thoroughly saturated hair, extracts live lice and viable nymphs. Repeating the process every three to four days for two weeks ensures eradication of any survivors. Heated air devices deliver a controlled stream of warm air (approximately 50 °C) for five minutes, destroying lice and eggs without chemicals; efficacy depends on correct temperature and exposure time.
Environmental control reduces reinfestation risk. Bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours should be laundered at ≥60 °C or sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuuming upholstered furniture and car seats removes detached nymphs. Items that cannot be washed, such as hairbrushes, should be soaked in hot water (≥50 °C) for ten minutes.
Resistance patterns vary geographically; when a product fails after two applications, switch to an alternative class of pediculicide. Monitoring should include scalp inspection 14 days post‑treatment; any remaining lice warrant immediate retreatment and a review of application technique.
Adhering to dosage instructions, exposure times, and repeat schedules maximizes success and minimizes adverse reactions. Combining chemical agents with diligent combing and environmental sanitation provides the most reliable eradication of head lice.