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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staff
Head lice
Over-the-counter lotions or shampoos (Nix, Rid, others) are usually the first line of defense against head lice. However, if nonprescription products don't kill the lice, your doctor can prescribe a stronger shampoo or lotion.
- Malathion (Ovide). This has been re-approved as a prescription drug for treating head lice. Malathion is flammable, so keep it away from heat sources such as hair dryers, electric curlers and cigarettes. If you're pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before using this product.
- Lindane. Another type of prescription treatment for lice contains the medication lindane. Your doctor may not recommend lindane if you weigh less than 110 pounds, have used it in the past few months or if you're a woman who is breast-feeding. 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.
Self-care important, too
Whether you use over-the-counter or prescription shampoo to kill lice, much of the treatment involves self-care steps you can take at home. These include making sure all the nits are removed and that all clothing, bedding, personal items and furniture are decontaminated. 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 or school.
Body lice
If you have body lice, you don't need treatment, yourself. However, you must take the same self-care measures, such as treating clothing and other items, as you would for head lice.
Pubic lice
Pubic lice can be treated with the same nonprescription and prescription treatments used for head lice.
