What should be used to wash the hair to eliminate lice? - briefly
«Permethrin 1 % shampoo» or a dimethicone‑based rinse eliminates lice when applied according to label directions and followed by thorough combing. The scalp must be fully saturated, the product left for the recommended duration, then rinsed completely.
What should be used to wash the hair to eliminate lice? - in detail
Effective eradication of head‑lice infestations relies on hair‑cleansing products that contain proven pediculicidal agents.
Shampoos available without prescription typically include permethrin (1 % concentration) or pyrethrins combined with piperonyl‑butoxide. These formulations act on the nervous system of lice, causing rapid paralysis. Instructions advise applying the lather to wet hair, massaging for 10 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly. A second application after 7–10 days addresses newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial exposure.
Prescription‑only options provide alternatives when resistance to over‑the‑counter products is suspected. Malathion (0.5 % solution) requires a 12‑minute contact period and is safe for children over 6 months. Benzyl alcohol (5 % lotion) suffocates lice but must not be used on infants younger than 6 weeks. Ivermectin (0.5 % lotion) offers a single‑dose regimen with a 10‑minute exposure, suitable for adults and children over 15 kg.
Non‑chemical methods complement medicinal treatments. Dimethicone‑based lotions coat insects, preventing respiration; a 30‑minute application yields high mortality rates without neurotoxic risk. Tea‑tree oil (5 % concentration) exhibits insecticidal activity, though clinical evidence is limited; use under medical guidance. Hot‑air devices deliver 50 °C for 30 seconds, mechanically disabling lice.
Application protocol must ensure uniform coverage from scalp to hair tips. Hair should be divided into sections, each treated individually to avoid missed areas. After rinsing, a fine‑toothed nit comb removes dead insects and eggs; combing should continue for 10 minutes per session, repeated every 2–3 days for 2 weeks.
Environmental decontamination reduces reinfestation risk. Bedding, clothing, and personal items exposed to the head should be washed at ≥ 60 °C or sealed in airtight bags for 2 weeks. Vacuuming upholstered surfaces eliminates detached nits.
Combining a pediculicidal shampoo or lotion with thorough combing and environmental measures provides the highest probability of complete eradication.