Head Lice (cont.)
In this Article
My child has head lice. I don't. Should I treat myself to prevent being infested?
No. Although anyone living with an infested person can get head lice, you don't
need to be treated. Check household contacts for lice and nits every two to
three days. Treat if lice and nits are found.
Should my pets be treated for head lice?
No. Head lice do not live on pets.
My child is under 2 years of age and has been diagnosed with head
lice. Can I treat with prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?
No. For children under 2 years old, remove nits, nymphs (immature adult lice), and adult lice by hand, and see your health-care professional.
What OTC medications are available to treat head lice?
Many head lice medicines are available at your local drug store.
Each OTC product usually contains one of the following active ingredients:
- Pyrethrins (often combined with Piperonyl butoxide, in brand name products: A-200, Pronto,
R&C, RID, Triple X): Pyrethrins are natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower. Though safe and effective, pyrethrins only kill crawling lice, not unhatched nits. A second treatment is recommended in
seven 10 days to kill any
newly hatched lice. Treatment failures are common.
- Permethrins (NIX): Permethrins are similar to
natural pyrethrins. Permethrins are
safe and effective and may continue to kill newly hatched eggs for
several days after treatment. A second treatment may be needed in seven to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. Treatment failures are
common.
What is the prescription drug used to treat head lice?
Lindane shampoo (formally known as Kwell) is a prescription drug and is one of the most common treatments for head lice. When used as directed, the drug is probably safe. Overuse, misuse, or accidentally swallowing Lindane can be toxic to the brain and nervous system, and because of this, only a single application is recommended.
Malathion (Ovide) is another prescription drug that has
recently been recommended as a first-line agent for the treatment of head lice.
It is combination drug and is mixed with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and terpineol (a naturally occurring tea tree oil extract), both of which have been
shown to have some ability to kill lice. When used as directed, it is considered
safe and has been available over the counter for many years in other countries
such as the United Kingdom.
Next: Which head lice medicine is best for me? »
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