Lice - Patient's guide

Lice Treatment - Treating the Scalp and Hair with Pesticides Treatment

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.