What is used against lice? - briefly
Effective treatments include topical pediculicides such as permethrin or pyrethrin and thorough combing with a fine‑toothed lice comb. Additional measures involve washing bedding in hot water and avoiding the sharing of personal items.
What is used against lice? - in detail
Effective elimination of head‑lice infestations relies on a combination of chemical, mechanical and physical approaches. Each method targets the parasite at a different stage of its life cycle and may be selected according to age of the host, severity of infestation and safety considerations.
Chemical agents constitute the primary line of defence. Commonly available preparations include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion, applied to dry hair for ten minutes before rinsing; approved for children older than two months.
- Pyrethrin‑piperonyl‑butoxide spray, short‑contact (five minutes) treatment; suitable for most ages but requires avoidance of broken skin.
- Spinosad 0.9 % lotion, a newer insecticide with a distinct mode of action; effective after a ten‑minute exposure, safe for children over twelve months.
- Ivermectin 0.5 % lotion, a macrocyclic lactone applied for ten minutes; reserved for resistant cases, limited to patients over fifteen kilograms.
- Dimethicone 4 % cream rinse, a silicone‑based physical agent that suffocates lice without neurotoxic effects; safe for all ages, requires thorough combing after treatment.
Mechanical removal complements chemical therapy. The wet‑comb method employs a fine‑tooth metal comb on shampoo‑wet hair, repeating the process every 2‑3 days for two weeks. This technique eliminates live insects and viable eggs, reducing reliance on insecticides. Additional measures include:
- Washing bedding, clothing and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and drying on high heat.
- Sealing non‑washable items in airtight bags for a minimum of 48 hours to deprive lice of a host.
- Shaving severely infested hair when other options fail, eliminating the habitat entirely.
Natural substances are sometimes incorporated, though evidence varies. Dimethicone‑based products, tea‑tree oil (≤ 5 % concentration), neem oil and vinegar rinses are used for their irritant or suffocating properties; they should not replace approved insecticides in moderate to heavy infestations.
Safety and resistance management are essential. Over‑use of a single neurotoxic agent accelerates resistance; rotating between permethrin‑based and spinosad‑based products mitigates this risk. All topical treatments must be applied according to manufacturer instructions, avoiding contact with eyes, mucous membranes and broken skin. Post‑treatment follow‑up involves re‑inspection of hair after seven days and a second application if live lice persist.
Comprehensive control integrates appropriate chemical agents, diligent mechanical removal and strict environmental hygiene, thereby achieving rapid eradication and minimizing recurrence.