Which product should be used to remove lice and nits?

Which product should be used to remove lice and nits? - briefly

A 1% permethrin shampoo or lotion (e.g., Nix) is the primary option for eliminating lice and their eggs; for resistant infestations, a 0.5% malathion cream or a dimethicone‑based nit remover provides effective alternative treatment.

Which product should be used to remove lice and nits? - in detail

Effective lice eradication relies on a combination of chemical treatment and thorough combing. The most widely recommended first‑line option is a 1 % permethrin lotion or shampoo applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed. Permethrin is approved by health authorities, has a low toxicity profile, and remains effective against most head‑lice strains.

If resistance to permethrin is documented, a 0.5 % malathion solution can be used. Apply to damp hair, cover with a plastic cap for 8–12 hours, then wash out. Malathion provides an alternative mechanism of action but should be avoided in infants under two months.

For children under two years or for users seeking a non‑neurotoxic option, a dimethicone‑based lotion (10–20 % silicone oil) is appropriate. Apply to dry hair, distribute evenly, leave for at least 10 minutes, then comb out nits before washing. Dimethicone coats lice, causing suffocation without chemical absorption.

When chemical options are unsuitable, a 5 % benzyl alcohol lotion offers a non‑insecticide approach. Apply to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse. This product kills lice by disrupting their cell membranes but does not affect eggs; a second application after 7 days is required.

Regardless of the chosen product, a fine‑toothed nit comb must be used after each treatment. Recommended procedure:

  • Divide hair into sections.
  • Run the comb from scalp to tip, wiping teeth after each pass.
  • Repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture emerging nits.

Select the treatment based on age, known resistance patterns, and any skin sensitivities. Follow label instructions precisely and repeat the regimen as indicated to achieve complete eradication.