What to use to treat lice on the head? - briefly
Use an OTC pediculicide such as 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin shampoo, followed by thorough combing with a fine‑tooth lice comb; for resistant infestations, a prescription treatment like ivermectin lotion or 0.5 % malathion is recommended.
What to use to treat lice on the head? - in detail
Effective treatment of head‑lice infestation relies on a combination of chemical agents, mechanical removal, and environmental controls.
First‑line chemical options include topical pediculicides approved for over‑the‑counter use. Permethrin 1 % lotion applied to dry hair, left for ten minutes, then rinsed, eliminates most live insects. Pyrethrin formulations combined with piperonyl butoxide provide a similar effect but may be less effective where resistance is documented. Dimethicone‑based products act by coating lice and suffocating them; they are suitable for children and pregnant individuals because they contain no neurotoxic insecticides. Prescription‑only agents such as malathion 0.5 % and ivermectin 0.5 % lotion offer alternatives when resistance to OTC products is suspected.
Mechanical removal complements chemical treatment. A fine‑toothed nit comb used on wet, conditioned hair removes viable lice and nits. Repeating the combing process every 2–3 days for two weeks ensures that newly hatched lice are captured before they mature.
Adjunctive measures reduce re‑infestation risk. Wash bedding, hats, and clothing in hot water (≥ 55 °C) or seal in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to collect stray lice.
A typical treatment protocol:
- Apply chosen pediculicide according to label directions; do not exceed recommended exposure time.
- Rinse hair thoroughly; dry.
- Perform wet‑combing with a nit comb for at least 10 minutes, segmenting the scalp.
- Repeat combing on days 3, 6, and 9.
- Re‑apply chemical treatment after 7 days if live lice are observed.
Safety considerations: avoid products containing lindane due to neurotoxicity. For infants under two months, use dimethicone or mechanical removal only. Individuals with known allergies to pyrethrins or permethrin should select alternative agents.
Monitoring: inspect hair daily for live insects and nits. Persistence beyond two weeks warrants medical evaluation for possible resistant strains or alternative prescription therapy.
By integrating approved insecticidal preparations, systematic nit removal, and strict environmental hygiene, complete eradication of head lice can be achieved efficiently.