Head lice are small, wingless insects that infect the hair and scalp. They are most common among children. They spread by head-to-head contact and feed on blood they suck from the scalp. An infected individual may have an itchy scalp. Treatments for eradicating head lice are available. A pharmacist or doctor should advise on the most suitable treatment.
Combing
Head lice may be removed by using a special, fine-toothed comb available in most drugstores. Wetting and conditioning the hair and then combing through the wet hair may remove the lice. According to KidsHealth, wetting the hair temporarily immobilizes the lice. Lice, once hatched, are tan to grayish-white in color, notes the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Black dots, which represent lice feces, may also appear on the comb. Any lice debris should be rinsed off before combing through the next section of hair. This procedure should be repeated three or four times over a 14-day period until all lice have been removed.
Pyrethrins
Pyrethrins are an over-the-counter treatment for head lice. Pyrethrins are extracted from the chrysanthemum flower and contain active compounds called pyrethroids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they are safe and effective when used properly. They are supplied in shampoo, gel or liquid forms. They should be applied to the hair, left in the hair to work for 10 minutes and then be rinsed out. Pyrethrins only kill live lice, not eggs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a second treatment nine to 10 days after the first application to remove any newly hatched lice.
Permethrin Lotion
Permethrin lotion is an over-the-counter treatment that contains compounds called pyrethroids, similar to those found in pyrethrins. Permethrin lotion is not suitable for use in children under 2 years of age. As with pyrethrins, permethrin lotion will only kill live head lice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a second treatment nine to 10 days after the first application to remove any newly hatched lice. According to Drugs.com, permethrin lotion should be applied to towel-dried hair and left in the hair for 10 minutes before being rinsed out.
Lindane Shampoo
Lindane shampoo is a prescription treatment for head lice. It is not a first-line treatment for head lice. Other head lice treatments should be tried before using lindane shampoo. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that lindane shampoo may be toxic to the brain if swallowed or overused. Lindane shampoo is not suitable for infants, children, the elderly, pregnant or breast-feeding women and people with seizure disorders. It is also contraindicated in people who weigh less than 110 pounds.
