What to treat with against lice? - briefly
Effective treatment consists of a 1 % permethrin lotion or a dimethicone‑based product applied to the scalp, then removing nits with a fine‑tooth comb. Repeat the application after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
What to treat with against lice? - in detail
Effective remedies for lice infestations fall into three categories: chemical agents, mechanical removal, and environmental measures. Each approach targets the parasite directly or eliminates sources of re‑infestation.
Chemical agents are the most common first‑line option. Over‑the‑counter products contain:
- Permethrin 1 % – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; safe for children over 2 months.
- Pyrethrin combined with piperonyl‑butoxide – similar protocol to permethrin; useful when resistance to permethrin is suspected.
- Malathion 0.5 % – applied to dry hair, left for 8–12 hours; indicated for resistant strains, not for children under 6 years.
- Spinosad 0.9 % – single‑application treatment, left for 10 minutes; approved for children over 12 months.
- Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion – kills lice by asphyxiation, applied for 10 minutes; contraindicated for infants under 6 weeks.
Prescription‑only options include:
- Oral ivermectin – single dose of 200 µg/kg, repeat after 7 days if live lice remain; suitable for patients aged 6 months and older.
- Topical ivermectin 0.5 % – applied to dry hair for 10 minutes, then rinsed; effective against resistant populations.
- Lindane 1 % shampoo – limited use due to neurotoxicity risk; reserved for cases unresponsive to safer agents.
Mechanical removal relies on a fine‑toothed lice comb. Procedure:
- Wet hair with conditioner to reduce tangling.
- Run the comb from scalp to hair tips in 4‑mm increments.
- Rinse comb after each pass to discard captured lice and nits.
- Repeat the process every 2–3 days for a total of three sessions, covering the entire infestation cycle.
Environmental control minimizes reinfestation:
- Wash bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items in airtight plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories during treatment.
Resistance to pyrethroids has become widespread; rotating between a pyrethroid and a non‑pyrethroid agent, or combining chemical treatment with thorough combing, improves eradication rates. Safety considerations include age limits, known allergies to specific ingredients, and potential skin irritation; always follow label instructions and consult a healthcare professional for infants, pregnant individuals, or patients with dermatologic conditions.
A systematic approach—chemical application, repeated mechanical removal, and rigorous environmental sanitation—provides the most reliable resolution of lice infestations.