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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffBody lice are primarily treated by carefully washing yourself — as well as any contaminated items — with soap and water. In most cases, killing lice on your body isn't difficult. The challenge is getting rid of all the nits and avoiding contact with other lice at home.
If these measures don't work, you can try using an over-the-counter lotion or shampoo. If that doesn't work, your doctor can provide a prescription lotion.
Medications
- Over-the-counter lotions or shampoos (Nix, Rid, others). These products are usually the first line of defense. However, if nonprescription products don't kill the lice, your doctor can prescribe a stronger shampoo or lotion.
- Lindane. If over-the-counter treatments don't work, your doctor may prescribe lindane, a lotion treatment. Because of its toxicity, this is usually prescribed when other treatments fail. You apply lindane to the affected area and wash it off after eight hours. Your doctor may not recommend lindane if you weigh less than 110 pounds (50 kilograms), have used it in the past few months, are a women who is pregnant or breast-feeding, or are younger than 2 years of age. Side effects may include skin irritation, seizures and, rarely, death. Using lindane in higher than recommended amounts, or for longer than recommended, increases the risk of side effects.
Use these medications only as directed. Applying too much can cause red, irritated skin.
