Malathion Head Lice Treatment

Malathion Head Lice treatment – is it safe?
There has been much written of late about the controversy surrounding some of the prescription and over the counter insecticide head lice treatments, hence it is worth us taking a look at how safe they actually are.
There are many such lotions and shampoos on the market, most of them with three main insecticides as the active ingredient: Malathion head lice treatment comes in the shape of a brand known as Ovide, and this is a very popular medicinal treatment used by many people all the time. Others include those made using Permethrin, and most controversial are the lotions that utilize the powerful insecticide Lindane.
The latter has become particularly controversial as it has been linked to a number of very serious cases of side effects – convulsions of a serious nature, and even a death – and as a result products using the substance have been banned from sale in many European countries, but are still available on prescription in the USA. Unlike Lindane, its sister aforementioned insecticide lotions are said to be entirely safe and come with only the chance of minor side effects.
So what are Malathion and the others? Insecticides are essentially poisons that are designed to kill insects. The ones used in these products are synthetic – that is manmade – versions of natural products, and are very powerful indeed.
It is the act of covering a child’s head in potentially dangerous chemicals that puts a lot of parents off using the lotions, and this is why there have become available a series of alternative treatments that are safe, yet not scientifically proven. Malathion is a successful product, and has many adherents who swear by its efficiency, however.
Using it is simple – it is rubbed into the head and left for a short time, therefore killing as many lice as possible. Despite manufacturer’s claims, it is unlikely to kill nits, hence they will need to be treated in a different manner. Furthermore, the possible side effects include irritation of the skin and possible increase in dandruff, and it is not recommended that those already suffering from known skin conditions use the substance or others like it. Nor should they use it if they have open wounds, and it is imperative it is kept away from the eyes.
Given the number of restrictions, and the press horror stories, it is no surprise that people opt to use alternative methods, washing with a shampoo mixed with Tea Tree oil being very popular, but it must be said that Malathion products are certified as safe to use, and known to work in many cases.