What is the treatment called for lice? - briefly
The remedy is a pediculicide, typically a shampoo or lotion containing permethrin or pyrethrin that kills adult lice and nits. Proper application according to the product instructions ensures complete eradication.
What is the treatment called for lice? - in detail
The therapeutic approach for head‑lice infestation is identified as a pediculicide regimen. Pediculicides are chemical agents designed to eliminate Pediculus humanus capitis and their eggs. Available options include:
- Permethrin 2 % lotion, applied to dry hair for ten minutes before rinsing; classified as a synthetic pyrethroid, effective against active lice but less reliable for nits.
- Pyrethrin combined with piperonyl butoxide, a botanical extract enhancing insecticidal activity; usage mirrors permethrin with a similar exposure time.
- Malathion 0.5 % lotion, an organophosphate applied for eight to twelve hours; reserved for cases with documented resistance to pyrethroids.
- Ivermectin 1 % lotion, a macrocyclic lactone applied for ten minutes; offers systemic action and is suitable for resistant infestations.
- Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion, a non‑neurotoxic agent that suffocates lice; requires a ten‑minute application and does not affect eggs.
- Spinosad 0.9 % suspension, a bacterial‑derived compound applied for ten minutes; effective against both lice and nits, recommended for multiple‑treatment failures.
Mechanical removal supplements chemical treatment. A fine‑toothed nit comb, used on wet hair after the pediculicide has dried, extracts live lice and viable eggs. Repetition of combing at three‑day intervals for two weeks reduces residual infestation.
Prescription‑only products, such as malathion and ivermectin, require medical authorization and may involve dosage adjustments for children under fifteen kilograms. Over‑the‑counter formulations, including permethrin and pyrethrin, are suitable for individuals older than two months, provided skin integrity is intact.
Resistance monitoring is essential. Re‑infestation rates increase when a single agent is repeatedly employed despite documented treatment failure. Rotating agents with different mechanisms of action mitigates resistance development.
Follow‑up assessment occurs fourteen days after initial treatment. Absence of live lice confirms successful eradication; detection of live insects mandates a second treatment cycle, typically using an alternative pediculicide to address potential resistance.