Anti-Lice Treatments

1. PESTICIDES – Neurotoxic Mode of Action:

The best way to eradicate head lice is to treat the scalp and hair with insecticide (a medicated anti-lice treatment).

Key points:

• It is important that whichever treatment is used that sufficient quantity is applied.
• Special attention should be given to behind the ears and the nape of the neck.

Insecticide Treatment Options:

Many safe and effective insecticides (anti-lice treatments) are available, including:

The two popular insecticides below are the same compound however permethrin is a synthesized version. Both have a similar mechanism of action.

• Permethrin (click to learn more)
• Pyrethrin-Piperonyl Butoxide (click to learn more)

Two other alternatives are:

• Lindane (click to learn more)
• Malathion(click to learn more)

Click on each of the above links to learn more about the insecticides, how effective they are, and in which commercial products they can be found.

2. NON-PESTICIDE – Dehydrating Mode of Action:

A new anti-lice product has been approved in Canada in 2006; Resultz™. This product contains 50 per cent isopropyl myristate (active ingredient) and 50 per cent ST-cyclomethicone, ingredients commonly found in dermatologic preparations. The product works by dissolving the wax that covers the exoskeleton of head lice, a mechanical mode of action that dehydrates lice and causes them to die.

• Non-pesticide (click to learn more)

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