Let's see what to use over the counter for head lice.
We will approach this in the context of an overall lice management program.
Remember, if you did not find any egg or lice, you do not need to treat. Just wait another day and look again for head lice or nits or use the wet combing technique for a more detailed check.
There are different treatment approaches to getting rid of head lice.
For instance, you may be very sensitive to insecticides on the hair, you may not have time to be combing, combing, combing or just having a long hair will eliminate a treatment type.
Here is an overview of available over-the-counter lice treatment options. Take a look, see how they work and then continue to see how we can help you make the best decision.
Insecticides
Lice are basically insects that use humans as a host. You need insecticides to kill them.
Insecticides safe to use on humans are permethrin and pyrethrins.
Examples include 1% permethrin (Nix®, store brands), pyrethrins (Rid®, store brands).
Dimethicone 4%
Coats the lice in silicone oil depriving them of human blood and ultimately death.
This may be useful if you don't want insecticides on the hair. But there are disadvantages.
Example is LiceMD®
Sodium Chloride 1%
Basically salt water, the goal is to desiccate the lice (draw water from their cells by osmosis).
This may lead to their death if done properly.
An example is LiceFree®
Cetaphil Cleanser
Idea is to smother the lice by coating them in Cetaphil cleanser and drying the cleanser on the head.
Example Nuvo
Let's use this information to choose a good over the counter remedy and prevent any lice treatment failure.
Which of these listed below apply to you right now?
Choose what applies to you from the list below and see what is recommended.
You must have this lice really bad.
Your best bet would be to visit the nearest urgent care clinic. if you don't think so, here is what we recommend to use over-the-counter.
This is pretty bad. Your child needs to see a pediatrician for this.
We must have left something out.
Please choose what closely relate to what your child is experiencing and see what is available over-the-counter to use.
Pediculicides
1% permethrin (Nix®), or pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide (Rid®) or store brands are the pediculicides available over-the-counter for head lice.
Nix, Rid or Store brands. Like to know which to use?
- Allergic to ragweed or chrysanthemums?
If yes, get the 1% permethrin.
Pyrethrins are naturally occurring extracts from the chrysanthemum flower. - Plan on using this on a child less than 2 years old?
Go with 1% permethrin lotion or cream.
Pyrethrins are not recommended for use on children less than 2 years old. - Don't plan on repeating the process in a week?
You should re-apply both in a week for best results.
None of them will kill the eggs.
Nix® website says kills the eggs. What they mean is that permethrin has a residual activity on the scalp which will help get rid of any newly hatched baby lice from the eggs for up to 14 days.
Don't depend on this. Re-apply it after a week.
If you seriously want to eliminate the lice, these manufacturers depend on you combing out the nits, live and dead lice every single day.
If you slack on combing, you may not succeed the first time around.
To make combing frustration free, invest in a good metal nit comb. If it is plastic, be ready to get frustrated.
Natural Approach
Assuming you don't want to use insecticides on your hair. Natural lice treatment aids might sound very good.
You may want to answer a few questions before deciding on one.
Do you intend to use this on a long hair?
Stay away from dimethicone (LiceMD®). It can be messy. It will be a pain getting the gel out if you have long hair.
See it as rubbing silicone gel on your hair. It can cake and you will end up swearing a lot. If you have short hair, you may give it a try.
All over-the-counter remedies depend on you combing, combing and combing to achieve any result and avoid treatment failure.
Want to avoid a dull, flat looking hair day after treatment?
Then stay away from Cetaphil cleanser method. The Cetaphil cleanser method (Nuvo®) can make your hair look dull and flat after treatment.
Here is a brief rundown on these natural products before you start running to get them.
- They all depend on you combing and combing for up to 10 days straight to get the nits, live or dead lice out.
- Your chances of failure are higher if you have long hair. You may have to cut the hair first.
- Invest in a good metal comb. Some do come with a good metal comb.
- You will have to repeat application for up to 3 times for good results or the lice will come back with a vengeance.
Lycelle®
This used to be a prescription item but it is now over-the-counter. Manufacturer claim it will take care of super-lice with one application. But we recommend you repeat treatment in 7 - 10 days.
It works by damaging the waxy outer layer of lice and eggs. The smell may be too strong for some people.
Outsourcing
Professional home care
May want to outsource if you have a large household that needs to be treated. See it as hiring a cleaning service: - To come and clean your household's hair of lice!
Getting rid of head lice is a major process that requires diligence, time and care. Washing hair, combing, cleaning the household items.
If you decide to go this route, look for:
- Specific pricing information.
- Hidden fees.
- Hourly or per person rates.
- Aftercare process.
- Guarantee terms.
Lice Clinics
Use google to find a professional lice removal clinic or center near you. Take the whole family there. Expect to spend between $180 and $300 per person depending on the treatment method you choose.
- Let others know if the recommendation worked for you.
- Share your treatment outcome with others.
- Add to the recommendation.
- Improve on the recommendation.
- Quickest way to ask a pharmacist a question.
- What about you answering a question?