What dissolves lice? - briefly
Isopropyl alcohol (70 % or higher) or dimethicone‑based treatments rapidly break down the lice exoskeleton and suffocate the insects. Essential oils such as tea‑tree or neem also act as contact poisons that disrupt respiration, leading to quick death.
What dissolves lice? - in detail
Lice can be eradicated by chemical and non‑chemical agents that penetrate the exoskeleton, disrupt nervous function, or dissolve the protective coating of the insect.
Alcohol‑based solutions (70 % isopropyl or ethanol) act as solvents, breaking down the waxy cuticle and causing rapid desiccation. Application to the scalp for several minutes suffices to kill nymphs and adults, but repeated use may irritate skin.
Permethrin (1 % lotion) and pyrethrin formulations bind to sodium channels in nerve membranes, leading to paralysis and death. These compounds are approved for head‑lice treatment and remain effective when applied according to label instructions.
Benzyl alcohol (5 % lotion) works by suffocating the parasite; the liquid coats the hair shaft, preventing respiration. FDA approval confirms safety for children over six months, though itching may persist during treatment.
Dimethicone (silicone‑based oil) coats the insects, obstructing water loss and causing them to detach from hair. The non‑toxic nature makes it suitable for repeated applications without systemic absorption.
Essential‑oil products containing tea‑tree, neem, or lavender exhibit insecticidal properties through terpene constituents that dissolve cuticular lipids. Concentrations must reach at least 1 % active ingredient to achieve lethal effect; otherwise, results are inconsistent.
Physical removal methods—wet combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb after applying a dissolving agent—enhance efficacy by extracting dead insects and eggs.
Safety considerations include avoiding prolonged contact with the scalp for solvents, observing age restrictions for synthetic insecticides, and performing patch tests for essential‑oil preparations.
In practice, a combined regimen of a proven chemical (permethrin, benzyl alcohol, or dimethicone) followed by thorough combing yields the highest success rate, while alcohol or essential‑oil solutions serve as supplementary options when standard treatments are contraindicated.