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.
Tinea Corporis Pregnancy
The term tinea corporis is the medical term for ringworm, which refers to round or oval red scaly patches on the skin. They are often seen to be less red and scaly in the middle or even look healed at the center. It is common for one ring to develop inside another preexisting ring. Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus that can affect the scalp, skin, fingers, toenails or feet.
Tinea corporis pregnancy concern is that women of childbearing age are more likely to develop tinea corporis as a result of their greater frequency of contact with infected children. Children are particularly vulnerable to tinea corporis infection and can pass it effortlessly to other children. Adults are not immune and can also become infected. Tinea corporis occurs in both men and women. Persons who fall in the high risk category are farmers and people who work with animals that have fur.
Tinea corporis is contagious. The condition can be contracted if you come into direct contact with someone who is infected, or if you touch contaminated items. Tinea corporis (ringworm) is the name used for superficial skin infections of the trunk, legs or arms of a dermatophyte fungus. Dermatophytes are a group of related fungi that infect and live on the top layer of the epidermis. Dermatophyte infections do not result in significant mortality, but they can greatly affect quality of life.
There are three groups of fungi that cause skin infection of this type and can be categorized according to their preferred host sources, geophile or fungi from soil sources, zoophile or fungi from animals, anthropophile or fungi from humans
The fungi transmitted primarily through contact with animals or zoophile is usually responsible for tinea corporis contagious infection. It is usually transmitted through contact with animals such as dogs, cats, calves, hamsters, and guinea pigs.
Acute tinea corporis appears as itchy inflamed red patches that may be pustular. Chronic tinea corporis is more likely to be found in sweaty body folds. Acute tinea corporis has a tendency to be hard to treat and will more than likely recur.
Tinea corporis may arrive with a sudden onset and then spread rapidly. Or it could be chronic which is a slow broadening of a mild, minimally inflamed, rash. It affects exposed areas but could also spread from other infected sites. Non-fungal conditions that resemble tinea corporis include impetigo, Seborrhoeic dermatitis, Psoriasis, Discoid eczema, Lichen simplex, Contact allergic dermatitis and Pityriasis rosea.
