Over-The-Counter
Head Lice Treatments
It’s thought that about half of parents opt for head lice treatments you can buy over the counter. One of the main reasons for this is that they are easy to apply. These treatments should not be used to prevent head lice, only to treat them. These over-the-counter treatments can be divided into two sorts - chemical insecticides and physical action products. The insecticides poison the head lice and the physical action ones either drown or dehydrate them.
Insecticide Head Lice Treatments
The following is a rough guide to how to use the treatments. Always read the label for full instructions and complete the repeat applications as advised to avoid creating resistant head lice.
Full Marks Mousse - Contains Phenothrin and can be used from 6 months up though it may not be suitable for anyone with asthma or eczema. Apply to the hair and allow it to dry naturally. Don't use heat to dry the hair quickly. After 30 minutes wash the hair and comb through.
Full Marks Lotion - Similar to the above but alcohol based and needs to be left on for 2 hours.
Full Marks Liquid - Contains Phenothrin and can be used from age 6 months. As it is water based it is suitable for anyone including those with asthma or eczema. Apply to the hair and allow to dry natural. Don't use heat to dry it quickly. The product needs to be left on for 12 hours so applying before bedtime is ideal. Then wash the hair with ordinary shampoo and comb it through with a head lice comb.
Prioderm Lotion - An alcohol based formula containing 0.5% Malathion. It’s suitable for those over 6 months but best avoided by those with asthma or eczema. Apply to dry hair and leave on for at least 2 hours. Leave it on for a further 10 hours to kill the nits. Then shampoo the hair and comb through with a head lice comb.
Prioderm Cream Shampoo - Contains 1% Malathion. It’s suitable for those over 6 months. Wet the hair thoroughly and use enough shampoo to create a rich lather. Leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing through and then repeat the process. While the hair is still wet comb through with a head lice comb. Repeat 3 days later and then 3 days after that.
Physical Action Head Lice Treatments
These are the latest generation of treatments on the market and are ideal for those reluctant to use insecticide based products. It's thought that head lice resistance is unlikely using these products. Always read the label for full instructions.
Full Marks Solution - The solution works by dehydrating the lice and eggs. It can be used by those over age 2 years including asthma and eczema sufferers. Apply to dry hair and leave for 10 minutes before combing out. Then wash the hair with a non-conditioning shampoo.
Hedrin - Contains Dimeticone which blocks the way the lice pass out water so they "drown". It can be used from age 6 months upwards. The treatment needs to be carried out twice, 7 days apart. Apply to dry hair and leave on for 8 hours or overnight. Then wash the hair and comb through to remove the dead lice and nits.