What to use to poison lice in the head? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin shampoo or lotion, following the label directions for contact time and repeat treatment after 7–10 days. Alternative options include a pyrethrin‑based spray or a benzyl alkyl‑dimethyl‑propyl‑ammonium chloride (BAC) solution, both approved for scalp lice eradication.
What to use to poison lice in the head? - in detail
Effective eradication of head‑lice infestations relies on appropriate pediculicidal agents, correct application, and follow‑up measures.
The most widely recommended chemical treatments include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; safe for children over 2 months.
- Pyrethrin‑based products – combined with piperonyl‑butoxide; similar usage to permethrin, contraindicated for infants under 2 months.
- Malathion 0.5 % lotion – applied to damp hair, left for 8–12 hours; suitable for resistant cases, not for pregnant or nursing women.
- Spinosad 0.9 % suspension – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes; effective against strains resistant to pyrethrins/permethrin.
- Benzyl‑alcohol 5 % lotion – suffocates lice, left for 10 minutes; approved for children older than 6 months.
- Ivermectin 0.5 % lotion – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes; limited data for children under 15 kg.
Each product must be used according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring thorough coverage of the scalp and hair shaft. A second application after 7–10 days eliminates newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial treatment.
Non‑chemical approaches complement pharmacological options:
- Mechanical removal – fine‑toothed lice combs used on wet, conditioned hair for 10 minutes, repeated every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- Suffocation methods – applying petroleum jelly or silicone oil to the scalp, covering with a shower cap for several hours, then combing out dead insects.
- Plant‑derived oils – tea‑tree, neem, or lavender oil diluted in a carrier; limited evidence suggests modest efficacy, best used as adjuncts rather than primary therapy.
Resistance to pyrethroids has become common; in such cases, switching to a different class (e.g., spinosad or malathion) or combining a pediculicide with manual removal improves outcomes.
Precautions are essential:
- Verify age and weight limits before applying any topical agent.
- Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin.
- Wash bedding, hats, and personal items in hot water (≥ 54 °C) or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
- Monitor for adverse reactions such as scalp irritation, itching, or rash; discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
A disciplined regimen—appropriate medication, repeat dosing, thorough combing, and environmental decontamination—provides reliable control of head‑lice infestations.