Head Louse Treatment

Types of Head Louse Treatment
By M. A. Fulmar

As soon as you confirm the invasion of louse in any of your family members, consider an effective head louse treatment. You can choose from the available options of treatment including insecticides, thorough combing, or some other alternatives. Remember that you should only use insecticides or other chemical treatment methods when the infestation with lice is confirmed. These chemicals are strong and have potential side effects.

Do not use them merely for prevention sake. In addition, given the contagious nature of the parasite, head louse treatment will perhaps be needed by all of your family members if one of them gets infested.

Insecticides

Some insecticides used as head louse treatment are available without prescription, for example Malathion, Phenothrin, and Permethrin etc.; others sold on prescription, for example Carbaryl which is used to treat cases that other insecticides have failed to treat. Head lice insecticides are available in different forms: lotions, liquids, cream rinses, and shampoos. Alcohol based lotions are so far the most effective of these, though some people like those with asthma or eczema should not use them.

Such people along with young children better use liquids or cream rinses that are water based. However, they should not be used for children younger than two years and a physician should be consulted before pregnant or breastfeeding women use it. Shampoos are the least effective of these treatments.

Using Insecticide Lotions

To kill the living lice, rub the proper amount of the insecticide lotion on the scalp and hair of the lice's host. Leave it there for at least 12 hours. Wash it well out of the head. Remember this kills live lice and not the nits. You need to repeat the treatment next week.

Combing

Also called bug busting, regular combing with a fine-toothed comb is another head louse treatment method. The teeth of the comb should not be more than 0.3mm apart. A bug busting kit is now easily available at pharmacies on or without prescription. It carries four combs of varying sizes, all especially designed for removing lice. Bug busting requires thorough combing with these fine combs for at least two weeks, four times a day. Since it does not use chemicals, lice cannot acquire resistance to this method.

Alternative Treatments

Different alternative head louse treatment methods have been used for long in all cultures. These mostly include the use of essential oils, herbal formulas, or special homeopathic tinctures. These are not scientifically verified and some of these have side effects like irritation of the scalp.

Author Details:
M. A. Fulmar, copywriter for various websites including the health articles on www.naturalcrystaldeodorant.com and www.microdermabrasionskincare.com

Article Source: Article Directory

NOTE: This article may be reproduced ONLY if the author details, source and ALL links remain in place and active.

Articles About Head Lice: