What is more effective against lice? - briefly
Pediculicidal preparations with 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion provide the highest efficacy, while a fine‑toothed nit comb used after treatment removes remaining nits. Combining chemical treatment with meticulous combing ensures maximal eradication of the infestation.
What is more effective against lice? - in detail
Head lice infestations require prompt and reliable eradication to prevent spread and discomfort.
Chemical insecticides remain the most commonly recommended option. Permethrin 1 % lotion, applied for ten minutes and rinsed, eliminates 80–90 % of live lice in controlled trials. Pyrethrin‑piperonyl butoxide mixtures achieve similar immediate kill rates but show reduced efficacy where resistance is documented. Malathion 0.5 % gel, left on the scalp for eight to twelve hours, reaches 95 % mortality in resistant populations but carries a higher risk of skin irritation.
Silicone‑based agents, principally dimethicone, act by coating and suffocating lice without neurotoxic action. Clinical studies report 92–98 % success after a single application, with minimal adverse reactions. Their mode of action bypasses common resistance mechanisms, making them preferable in regions with documented permethrin failure.
Mechanical removal, often termed wet combing, involves applying a conditioner to damp hair and systematically running a fine‑toothed comb from scalp to tip. Repeated sessions over a week remove 70–85 % of live lice and all nits when performed meticulously. The method avoids chemical exposure but demands consistent effort and training.
Environmental control complements direct treatment. Washing bedding, clothing, and personal items at ≥ 60 °C or sealing them in plastic bags for two weeks eliminates viable eggs. Vacuuming carpets and upholstery reduces reinfestation risk but does not replace scalp‑directed therapy.
Comparative data indicate that silicone‑based products provide the highest single‑treatment cure rate, especially where insecticide resistance is prevalent. Permethrin remains effective in susceptible populations but should be paired with a secondary nit‑removal strategy. Mechanical combing offers a chemical‑free alternative with comparable outcomes when executed correctly, yet requires greater labor.
Optimal management combines a primary agent—preferably a dimethicone formulation in resistant settings—with thorough nit removal and appropriate laundering of personal items. This integrated approach maximizes eradication while minimizing recurrence.