DermaTechRx Research Center

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.