What should be applied to the head to treat lice? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin lotion or shampoo to the scalp, leave it on for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
What should be applied to the head to treat lice? - in detail
Effective control of head‑lice infestations relies on correctly applied topical agents. The most widely used chemical pediculicides are:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat after 7 days.
- Pyrethrins combined with piperonyl‑butoxide – similar protocol to permethrin; suitable for children older than 2 years.
- Malathion 0.5 % solution – applied to damp hair, left for 8–12 hours, then washed out; repeat after 7 days; contraindicated for infants.
- Benzyl‑alcohol 5 % lotion – non‑neurotoxic, applied for 10 minutes, then rinsed; repeat after 7 days; not for children under 2 years.
- Ivermectin 0.5 % lotion – single application, no repeat needed for most cases; approved for patients 6 months and older.
- Spinosad 0.9 % suspension – applied for 10 minutes, then washed; repeat after 7 days; effective against resistant strains.
Non‑chemical alternatives include:
- Dimethicone‑based silicone oils – coat lice and eggs, preventing respiration; applied for 10 minutes, then rinsed; safe for all ages.
- Heat‑based devices – blow warm air (approximately 45 °C) through the scalp for 10 minutes; eliminates both insects and nits without chemicals.
- Fine‑tooth nit comb – used on wet, conditioned hair after any topical treatment; comb every 2–3 days for two weeks to remove residual eggs.
Application guidelines:
- Separate hair into sections; apply the product uniformly, ensuring coverage from scalp to hair tips.
- Follow manufacturer‑specified contact time; insufficient exposure reduces efficacy.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water; avoid hot water that may degrade active ingredients.
- Perform a second treatment 7–10 days later to target hatchlings that survived the initial exposure.
Precautions:
- Verify age‑specific approvals; some agents are contraindicated for infants or pregnant individuals.
- Conduct a patch test for allergic reactions before full application.
- Protect eyes, ears, and mucous membranes; wash hands after handling the product.
- Launder bedding, hats, and personal items at ≥ 60 °C or seal in plastic bags for 2 weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
Post‑treatment monitoring:
- Inspect scalp 24 hours after each application; absence of live lice confirms success.
- Continue combing with a nit comb for at least 14 days to remove any remaining eggs.
- If live lice persist after two treatment cycles, consider switching to an alternative pediculicide or consult a healthcare professional for resistance testing.