What product is effective against lice? - briefly
A 1 % permethrin lotion (e.g., Nix) is the primary over‑the‑counter remedy for head lice. Alternative treatments include 0.5 % malathion shampoo or dimethicone‑based products for resistant infestations.
What product is effective against lice? - in detail
Effective lice control relies on products that target the insect’s nervous system or disrupt its ability to cling to hair. The most widely used options include:
- 1% permethrin cream rinse – a synthetic pyrethroid that paralyzes lice on contact. Apply to damp hair, leave for ten minutes, then rinse. Re‑treatment after seven days eliminates newly hatched nymphs.
- 0.5% malathion liquid – an organophosphate with high efficacy against resistant strains. Apply to dry hair, cover with a plastic cap for eight to twelve hours, then wash thoroughly. Requires careful handling to avoid skin irritation.
- 5% benzyl alcohol lotion – a non‑neurotoxic agent that suffocates lice. Apply to dry hair, leave for ten minutes, then rinse. A second application after seven days is mandatory.
- Ivermectin 0.5% lotion – a macrocyclic lactone that interferes with nerve transmission. Apply to clean, towel‑dried hair, leave for ten minutes, then wash. Single‑dose treatment may be sufficient for most infestations.
- Spinosad 0.9% suspension – a bacterial‑derived insecticide that causes rapid paralysis. Apply to dry hair, leave for ten minutes, then rinse. Recommended for cases where resistance to pyrethroids is documented.
Non‑chemical alternatives supplement pharmacological treatments:
- Silicone‑based lice‑removal lotions – coat hair shafts, reducing lice ability to grip. Use with a fine‑tooth nit comb, repeating the combing process for at least ten minutes per session over two weeks.
- Hot air devices – blow air at 130 °C through the scalp, killing lice and nits without chemicals. Effectiveness depends on maintaining temperature and thorough coverage.
Key considerations for product selection:
- Resistance patterns – regions with documented pyrethroid resistance favor malathion, ivermectin, or spinosad.
- Age restrictions – permethrin and malathion are approved for children over two months; benzyl alcohol and ivermectin have minimum age limits of two and six months, respectively.
- Skin sensitivity – organophosphates and pyrethroids may cause irritation; benzyl alcohol is preferable for sensitive individuals.
- Compliance – single‑application products reduce the need for repeat dosing, improving adherence.
Optimal results arise from combining a suitable topical agent with mechanical removal of nits using a fine‑tooth comb, repeating the process after seven days, and washing all bedding and clothing at temperatures above 50 °C. Continuous monitoring for re‑infestation ensures complete eradication.