Ways to Get Rid of Head Lice

Head lice---tiny parasitic insects that feed on blood from the human scalp---are one of the most common communicable diseases affecting children, according to the Mayo Clinic. Spread by head-to-head contact with an infected person, head lice can easily move among household members if aggressive action to treat the parasites is not taken. Learning what medical and non-medical treatments can stop the spread of lice will kill the pests and prevent re-infestation.

Shampoos and Lotions

• Several over-the-counter shampoos and lotions are available to treat head lice. These products contain either pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide or permethrin, insecticides used to kill lice. Pyrthrins with piperonyl butoxide destroy the nervous system of live lice. While both are effective in killing live lice, the insecticides do not kill unhatched eggs or nits. For that reason, a second treatment is normally required to kill newly hatched lice within nine to 10 days of initial application, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

  It is necessary to follow the directions closely when using these shampoos. For best results, rinse and dry the hair before applying the shampoo. Wait 10 minutes and then rinse it off. In one week, check for lice or their eggs, which look similar to dandruff. Reapply if necessary.

Prescription Medication

• Malathion is a prescription medication that is rubbed into the scalp to treat head lice. Unlike over-the-counter products, malathion kills both live lice and some eggs. It is not recommended for chlidren younger than 6 and may require a second treatment if live lice are seen seven to nine days after initial treatment, according to the CDC.

  Lindane is another prescription medication used to kill lice. It is available as a cream, lotion or shampoo. Lindane is not a recommended first-line of treatment because of its toxicity to the brain and nervous system when misused or swallowed. Rather, lindane is used when another treatment has failed or was not tolerated.

  Benzyl alcohol is a lotion approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 that has shown success in treating lice, but not their eggs. A second treatment is required to fully eradicate the pests. While safe in children 6 months of age or older, common side effects include skin, scalp and eye irritation, and scalp numbness, according to the FDA.

Grooming

• Medicated lice treatments are not recommended for children under 2. Instead, lice eggs must be removed by hand. To do this effectively, wet your child's hair and apply conditioner to immobilize the lice. Comb through the hair using a fine nit comb and physically remove the lice from the hair. Repeat the process every three to four days for a minimum of two weeks.

Cleaning

• Lice and nits die when exposed to temperatures higher than 128.3 degrees F, according to the CDC. Wash bedding and clothing in hot water and dry the items at high heat for about 20 minutes. Items that cannot be washed should be dry cleaned or placed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Also vacuum carpets to pick up fallen hair that may contain lice eggs. Soak hair items, such as barrettes, ties, brushes and combs, in hot water for an hour to kill lice.