A variety of lice treatments are accessible.
Head lice, small parasitic insects that live on the scalp and consume blood, can cause an itching sensation and are easily transmittable. Here's a guide to help you understand, prevent, and treat head lice infestations.
Firstly, it's essential to know that avoiding head-to-head contact can help prevent the spread of head lice. Additionally, not sharing clothing that comes into contact with hair, such as hats, can also help prevent their transmission. Disinfecting combs and brushes in hot water if a person with a lice infestation uses them can also be beneficial.
If you suspect a head lice infestation, it's recommended to consult a doctor. They may suggest over-the-counter (OTC) products or prescription medication. The active ingredients in OTC lice treatments are usually chemicals such as pyrethrum or permethrin, which interfere with a lice's nervous system to kill them.
For prescription treatments, the main medications used include ivermectin, malathion, abametapir, and spinosad. Each of these treatments has specific application methods:
- Spinosad (Natroba): Approved for adults and children aged 6 months and older. It is applied to dry hair, left on for 10 minutes, then rinsed out with warm water over a sink to avoid skin contact. Hair should not be shampooed for 24 to 48 hours after treatment. Usually, a single treatment suffices, but it can be repeated after 7 days if lice persist.
- Malathion: Suitable for adults and children 2 or 6 years and older (sources vary slightly). The lotion is applied to dry hair and left on for 8 to 12 hours before being rinsed off with warm water, avoiding contact with skin. Shampooing is avoided for 24 to 48 hours. Malathion is flammable and should not be used near open flames or hot styling tools. A second application can be done 7 to 9 days later if necessary.
- Ivermectin (Stromectol): Available as an oral tablet for children over 33 pounds (about 15 kg) and adults, typically used when topical treatments fail. It is taken by mouth and may be repeated after 7 to 10 days if lice persist. This medication kills live lice but not their eggs, so retreatment might be needed.
- Abametapir: Although not detailed in the provided search results, abametapir is another prescription topical treatment for head lice; typically, it works by inhibiting metalloproteinases vital for lice development. According to other medical references, it is applied as a lotion or shampoo to dry hair and rinsed after a specified time, but exact usage instructions should be confirmed with a healthcare provider.
In general, these prescription treatments target live lice and sometimes the eggs; if eggs survive, a repeat application is recommended about a week later. Proper application involves applying to dry hair (except ivermectin, which is oral), leaving it on the hair/scalp for the prescribed time, rinsing carefully with warm water, and avoiding shampooing immediately afterward to maximize effectiveness.
Physical removal of lice and nits using fine-tooth combs is also strongly advised as a complementary step to medication. Vacuuming furniture and floors can remove hairs that may contain lice. Not sharing items such as hats, grooming aids, and towels can help prevent the spread of head lice.
It's important to note that machine washing and drying items such as hats, pillowcases, bedding, clothing, and towels at a high temperature can help treat head lice infestations. Sealing items in a plastic bag for 2 weeks if they are unable to wash them can also help treat head lice infestations.
Head lice are neither dangerous nor a sign of poor hygiene, but can transmit easily and cause uncomfortable itching. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent and treat head lice infestations effectively.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Head lice: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/head-lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20355651
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Head lice: Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/headlice/treatment.html
[3] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Head lice. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/Head-Lice.aspx
[4] National Health Service (NHS). (2021). Head lice: Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/treatment/
[5] Drugs.com. (2021). Stromectol (ivermectin) oral tablet. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/stromectol.html
- Head-to-head contact should be avoided to minimize the chance of catching head lice.
- Sharing clothing that comes into contact with hair, like hats, contributes to the transmission of head lice.
- Disinfecting combs and brushes in hot water can be beneficial when a person with a lice infestation uses them.
- Over-the-counter lice treatments typically contain chemicals like pyrethrum or permethrin, targeting a lice's nervous system to kill them.
- Prescription treatments for head lice infections include spinosad, malathion, ivermectin, and abametapir, each with specific application methods.
- In addition to medication, physical removal of lice and nits using fine-tooth combs is strongly advised for effective treatment.
