Getting rid of head lice is a three-step process that involves killing all the live lice, manually removing nits, and cleaning your home and belongings. It may sound like a lot of work, but proper headlice treatment is essential to stop the spread of these annoying pests. In this article, we will tell you which are the best head lice treatment products available and how they should be used.
Treatment can be done with over-the-counter topical treatments specifically designed to treat head lice. Before you begin treatment, be absolutely sure that you actually have them. Many people misdiagnose headlice and treat themselves or their children with chemicals unnecessarily.
Use caution with these products and use them only as directed. Leaving them on longer than the directions state or applying more treatments than recommended puts children at risk for overexposure to chemical pesticides. You can ask your pharmacist any questions you may have.
Before you begin headlice treatment, speak to a pharmacist about the various products available and the risks they may pose to your family. Some lice treatment products contain the chemical lindane which can cause neurotoxicity. Lindane should not be used to treat pregnant women, babies and children. Some people choose to use home remedies for head lice, like smothering the hair in mayonnaise or olive oil instead. These methods have been proven to have moderate success.
Isopropyl myristate 50% is a treatment that contains no traditional insecticides and works by dissolving the wax that covers the louse’s outer skeleton. Isopropyl myristate 50% is clinically proven to be effective for treating head lice. Isopropyl myristate, the active ingredient of Resultz, is widely used in lower concentrations in skincare and cosmetic products such as lipstick, bath oil and moisturizers. As a treatment, isopropyl myristate 50% is colorless and odorless.
Using both of these products is similar to using a normal shampoo. Apply the product to dry hair and massage it into the hair until the scalp and hair are thoroughly wet with the product. Pay special attention to the sides and back of the neck because these are favorite spots for lice. Leave it on the hair for ten minutes and then rinse with warm water. Once your hair has dried, use a nit comb daily to remove the dead nits and continue to do this for several days. You should repeat the treatment one week later to kill any new lice that may have hatched after the first treatment. After that, check daily for two weeks.
When choosing a headlice treatment, it is also important to think about resistance. Resistance means that the lice have changed their genetic makeup and can now survive a treatment that used to be effective. Your pharmacist can also help you choose a treatment that’s appropriate for your family, and can answer any questions you have about head lice treatment. If you have headlice that have resisted treatment, do not continue to use additional chemical treatments in the hopes that they will work. See your doctor for help and continue to remove the nits.