Head lice are extremely contagious. Infestation is not a sign of poor hygiene on the part of those infested with this opportunistic parasite; close contact at school or in the home is all that is needed for lice to spread to a new host. Ridding a child or an adult of head lice is a long process. Though head lice infestations are benign, it takes time and persistence to clear the lice.
Over-the-Counter Shampoos
The first line of defense in managing a lice infestation includes over-the-counter shampoo treatments. The two most common active ingredients in anti-lice shampoos are pyrethrin, found in Rid Shampoo, and permethrin, found in Nix. The Mayo Clinic reports that in some areas of the United States lice have become resistant to these treatments and a prescription remedy may be necessary.
Prescription Medications
Malathion is an ovacide, which means it kills the eggs, or nits. Malathion is an ointment which needs to be spread over the scalp. It is flammable, so users should take care to avoid sources of heat such as hair driers.
Lindane is available as a cream, lotion or shampoo. It has a higher risk of severe side effects such as seizure and severe skin irritation, so physicians may restrict prescribing it to children who weigh less than 110 lbs.
Benzyl alcohol lotion is a new treatment. It is a lotion that is non-flammable and non-neurotoxic. Benzyl alcohol kills the live louse, not the egg.
Physical Removal
Physical removal is recommended for children under the age of 2 and for those who choose to use a pesticide-free option. Special fine-tooth, nit picking combs remove nits and lice from small sections of hair. This is time consuming and the Mayo Clinic recommends repeating the process every three to four days for up to two weeks.
Treating the Home
The experts at Kids Health, an online resource from Nemours Children's Health System, recommend a thorough vacuuming of all carpet and upholstered surfaces in the home. Clothing, linens and towels that have come into contact with an infested member of the family should be laundered in hot water and dried on high. Dry clean fabrics if necessary. Discard infested brushes and combs or treat with an alcohol soak. Finally, check all other members of the house for lice. They are extremely contagious.
