Malathion Head Lice Treatment
Malathion Head Lice Treatment
One of the great controversies of treating a head lice infestation surrounds the use of insecticide lotions and shampoos, with reports of side effects – sometimes quite severe – being off-putting to many. The three main insecticides used – Malathion, Permethrin and Lindane – all have reported problems, and in the case of the latter reports of severe seizures and even fatalities have led to it being removed from use in many countries, although it is still available on prescription in the USA.
Among the three one of the most popular is Malathion, as used in the very widely prescribed Ovide, a lotion that is known to have an effect on head lice and their nymphs when used in many cases. It is a fact, however, that no insecticide will kill all of the well protected nits – the head lice eggs – and these need to be treated with a different method.
Among the known side effects of Malathion are those of a dry scalp, a stinging sensation and a possible increase in dandruff, and the substance should not be used – like all insecticide products – on those who have open wounds or a prior skin condition. It needs to be kept away from the eyes, too, and pregnant women are strongly advised to steer clear of insecticide products.
These minor side effects are acknowledged by the FDA, and the lotions – Ovide among them – are considered safe for use when the instructions are followed.
One thing that should be borne in mind is that Ovide is not recommended for children under the age of six (in fact no insecticide products are) and if the infestation is present on the head of such an infant, and it is very likely, then medical advice should be sought as to what steps to take.
The alternatives are the natural shampoos that abound on the market – many with the very popular Tea Tree oil, a medicinal herbal remedy favored by the Aborigines of Australia, present – and the trusty nit comb, an essential item in any treatment regime. Head lice combs are available in two types, the traditional version with the very close teeth and a newer version that works by administering an electric shock. The shock may be fatal to the lice but is not felt by the patient, being provided by a standard battery.
Using insecticides such as Malathion has been shown to work, yet it is not everybody’s choice to coat the head with poisons; consider your options carefully.
Lindane Head Lice Treatment
Lindane Head Lice Treatment
There are many products on the market that are prescribed to combat the persistent problem of head lice, and among these the most controversial are those that use insecticides. In general there are three main insecticides that are found in head lice lotions, these being Malathion, Permethrin and most controversially of all, Lindane.
Lately there have been concerns raised about the use of Lindane in the field of treating head lice, and scabies, but are there real reasons to be concerned where Lindane head lice treatments are concerned?
The truth is that there have been reports of side effects – quite severe in some cases – in patients using Lindane, yet there are some people who use it successfully. The personal choice as to whether you wish to use a product that is poison based, when there are natural alternatives that many people believe to be just as effective, is one that many people find perplexing, and the FDA has recently issued a set of guidelines and warnings about using Lindane, particularly with regard to certain sets of people.
The rather shocking news is that it has been confirmed that over use of Lindane based products has resulted in serious side effects such as seizures, and in some cases deaths have been reported. There are strict guidelines in place for using Lindane, and these must be followed if the product is to be used safely.
As Lindane is not to be used on babies or children – as they, and those under 110lbs in weight carry a higher risk of seizure than others – its use as treatment for head lice is rapidly declining. Those people who have disorders that induce seizures are advised not to use the substance, and anyone with skin conditions of any kind should avoid it completely.
Furthermore, if you suffer from any condition or take any form of medication you must inform your medical practitioner at the time of diagnosis in order that Lindane products are not prescribed; if you do use Lindane and you begin to feel excessively tired or suffer from dizzy spells, or feel as if the skin is burning or develop a rash, then it is advised that you cease use at once and contact your doctor.
All of this sounds very alarming and sensationalist yet the fact remains that the FDA has issued warnings regarding the use of Lindane shampoos and lotions, and they are worth heeding when considering the apt treatment for your case.
