What should be used to treat lice in a child and an adult? - briefly
A 1 % permethrin shampoo or lotion applied to the scalp for ten minutes is the first‑line therapy for both children and adults. Resistant infestations may require 0.5 % malathion or a medically supervised dose of oral ivermectin.
What should be used to treat lice in a child and an adult? - in detail
Lice infestation requires prompt eradication to stop transmission and prevent reinfestation. Effective agents differ by age, resistance patterns, and safety profile.
Over‑the‑counter topical insecticides are first‑line for most cases. «permethrin» 1 % cream rinse is approved for children six months and older; it is applied to dry hair, left for ten minutes, then rinsed. «pyrethrins» combined with piperonyl butoxide is suitable for children two years and older, following the same application schedule. Both agents must be reapplied after seven to ten days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
Prescription medications address resistant infestations or contraindications to OTC products. «malathion» 0.5 % lotion is approved for children six years and older; it remains on hair for eight to twelve hours before washing. «benzyl alcohol» 5 % lotion is indicated for children six months and older; it kills lice on contact but does not affect eggs, necessitating a second treatment after nine days. Oral «ivermectin» 200 µg/kg single dose is approved for individuals twelve years and older; repeated dosing after one week covers any surviving eggs. «spinosad» 0.9 % suspension is authorized for children six months and older; it remains on hair for ten minutes and provides ovicidal activity, reducing the need for a second application.
Mechanical removal complements chemical therapy. Wet combing with a fine‑toothed lice comb, performed on damp hair after each treatment, extracts live lice and nits. Repeating combing every two to three days for two weeks maximizes clearance. Environmental measures include washing bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or sealing items in plastic bags for at least 48 hours.
A standard regimen follows a three‑step protocol: apply the chosen topical agent, repeat the application after seven to ten days, and conduct thorough combing after each treatment. Simultaneous treatment of close contacts prevents re‑infestation. For infants under six months, OTC options are unavailable; a pediatrician‑prescribed prescription such as a low‑dose «malathion» formulation or oral «ivermectin» may be required, with careful monitoring for adverse reactions.
Safety considerations focus on age‑specific tolerances and potential skin irritation. «permethrin» and «pyrethrins» exhibit low toxicity in both children and adults when used as directed. «malathion» may cause scalp irritation; use is limited to older children. «benzyl alcohol» can produce transient burning; avoid use on broken skin. Oral «ivermectin» is contraindicated in pregnancy and requires weight‑based dosing. Monitoring for allergic responses after the first application ensures prompt management of side effects.