What can remove lice in one treatment? - briefly
«Permethrin» 1 % lotion applied once, left on the scalp for the recommended duration, then rinsed off, eradicates active infestations. A single oral dose of «ivermectin» achieves comparable lice elimination without repeat treatments.
What can remove lice in one treatment? - in detail
Effective elimination of head‑lice infestations with a single application relies on products that combine rapid toxicity, residual activity, and thorough coverage of the hair shaft.
A chemical agent that fulfills these criteria is a dimethicone‑based lotion. Dimethicone acts as a physical occlusive, coating each louse and preventing respiration. When applied according to the label, the lotion remains on the scalp for the recommended duration, after which the insects are immobilized and die. No second treatment is required because the product does not contain eggs‑killing chemicals that would necessitate a repeat dose.
Another option is a 1 % permethrin solution formulated as a foam. The foam spreads evenly, penetrates the hair base, and delivers a lethal dose to both adult lice and nymphs. The manufacturer’s instructions specify a single‑use protocol, and clinical studies have shown cure rates above 90 % after one application when the product is left on the scalp for the full exposure time.
A third possibility involves a silicone‑based spray containing 4 % dimethicone. The spray’s fine mist reaches the entire scalp surface, ensuring contact with hidden lice in the nape and behind the ears. After the prescribed contact period, the spray is rinsed off, and the insects are dead. The formulation’s high viscosity prevents re‑infestation from surviving eggs, eliminating the need for a follow‑up dose.
Key factors that enable a one‑time cure include:
- Complete saturation of the hair and scalp, guaranteeing contact with every parasite.
- A mechanism that kills both mobile insects and early‑stage nymphs, reducing the chance of hatching after treatment.
- Absence of a residual insecticide that would require a delayed second application to target newly emerged lice.
When selecting a product, verify that it is approved by health authorities, read the instructions for the exact exposure time, and ensure thorough combing with a fine‑toothed lice comb after treatment to remove dead insects and residual debris. Proper use of any of the mentioned single‑application solutions can achieve complete eradication of head‑lice infestations in one treatment.