If you notice itchiness and small, red bumps on your head or body, you may have lice, says the Mayo Clinic. Lice are small, parasitic insects with no wings that live on the body, head or pubic area. If you think you have lice, consult a doctor. If he confirms the diagnosis, he will give you the best treatment options for your particular case of lice.
Pyrethrin
The Mayo Clinic recommends using an over-the-counter lice shampoo that contains the active ingredient pyrethrin to kill both head and pubic lice. Most over-the-counter shampoos that contain pyrethrin are used once when lice are discovered, and again about one week later. Consult a doctor before using shampoos that contain pyrethrin on children under the age of 2, because it is not usually recommended, says the Mayo Clinic.
Vinegar
After using an over-the-counter shampoo to combat lice, rinse the hair with vinegar, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Vinegar will help remove nits, which are the eggs laid by lice, from the hair follicle and prevent the eggs from hatching. Saturate the entire head in vinegar and leave it on for several minutes to soak. Comb through the hair carefully with a fine-toothed comb and periodically dunk the comb in vinegar as you go through the hair. Combing the hair with vinegar may also be used in children under the age of two, says the Mayo Clinic.
Malathion
If head, pubic and body lice do not respond to over-the-counter treatments, a doctor may prescribe a medication that contains malathion. Malathion is not a shampoo. Instead, it is applied to the scalp or genital area and rubbed into the hair. Malathion is a flammable substance, says the Mayo Clinic. Do not leave malathion next to lit cigarettes, lighters, hair dryers, or any other sources of heat in the house. Consult a doctor before using malathion if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
Benzyl alcohol
If you require prescription relief for lice, your doctor may prescribe a lotion that contains benzyl alcohol to kill them. Benzyl alcohol lotion is rubbed on the hair and scalp for 10 minutes, then rinsed off. Repeat the process again after about 10 days, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Benzyl alcohol lotion is not generally used to treat children younger than six months old.
Hot Water
Hot water at temperatures of 130 degrees F or above will kill lice, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Often, washing clothing and bedding in hot water will kill body lice, and the patient does not need any additional treatment, says the Mayo Clinic. Additionally the Mayo Clinic recommends washing clothing, combs, stuffed animals, coats and rugs in water that is over 130 degrees F to treat all cases of lice.
