Problems on the scalp are not just dandruff, head lice are also a problem for some people.
Itching, white dots on the hair, red bumps on the scalp, sores or scabs on the head, tingling sensation on the scalp are signs of lice lodged in your hair.
All of that may really annoy you and make you uncomfortable.
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But you don’t need to worry because this can be solved in the ways below.
Medication to get rid of head lice
Use Over-the-counter Medicines
The first way to get rid of head lice that are difficult to disappear is to use anti-lice medication that you can easily get at the nearest pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription.
This over-the-counter medication is available in various forms such as shampoo, essential oil, lotion, or cream.
- Pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide
Pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide are compounds that are commonly found in shampoos that are commonly used to get rid of lice that stick to the scalp and body.
This medicine is made from natural pyrethroid extracts from chrysanthemum flowers and is safe and effective, so it can be used by children aged 2 years to adults.
- Permethrin 1%
Permethrin is a drug to treat parasitic infections of the skin such as lice on the scalp.
This medication is generally available in the form of a shampoo or lotion.
Permethrin has the same way of working as pyrethrin, which is able to eradicate newly hatched lice for a few days after treatment.
• Doctor’s Prescription Head Lice Drug
If the use of the above medicines is still not able to eradicate lice in your hair, you should consult a dermatologist.
Generally, they will recommend the following medications:
- Benzyl alcohol
Benzyl alcohol is a compound commonly found in lice-removing lotions.
Although this drug has been shown to be effective in killing live lice, it cannot eradicate unhatched eggs.
Normally, this drug can be used by people aged 6 months and over, but its use for the elderly over 60 years is not recommended because it has some side effects.
- Ivermectin
Ivermectin 0.5% is generally available in the form of creams and lotions and has been shown to be effective in preventing newly hatched lice but is still unable to eradicate nits.
This head lice treatment is claimed to be effective on dry hair but is not recommended for children weighing less than 15 kg or pregnant women.
- Malathion
The next lice-killing drug is malathion which is rated not only effective in killing live lice but also eradicates some nits.
However, it should be noted that this drug belongs to the type of flammable drug so it is not recommended to be used together with a hairdryer.
Tips for Using Lice Drugs
The use of head lice medicine will work more effectively if you use it with the right instructions.
Here are some tips that you can do when using drugs to get rid of head lice:
• Wash before using the drug
Before using head lice medication, it’s a good idea to wash your hair first using shampoo but don’t apply conditioner so that the medicine works more effectively.
After that, rinse thoroughly and dry with a towel then you can apply the lice medication according to the instructions.
• Apply lice medication
When you apply lice medication, try to spread the medication all over your hair and avoid the eye, ear, and mouth areas.
Always pay attention to the instructions for use because each product has a different way of application.
• Rinse hair after using the medicine
After using the head lice medication according to the instructions, let it sit for a while for maximum results.
After that, you can rinse your hair with warm water and dry it with a towel.
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