subject: Prescription Or Natural? Three Types Of Head Lice Treatment [print this page] Lice can affect anyone at any timeLice can affect anyone at any time. Once an infestation has occurred, the next step is to seek treatment. Treatment choices depend on a number of factors, such as allergic reactions and the age of the person. Some of the treatments used on adults may not be safe for use on young children.
Three Main Categories of Head Lice Treatment
Over-the-Counter (OTC): Not surprisingly, this is usually the first course of action when dealing with an infestation. Two very popular and effective OTC head lice treatment options are NIX and RID. In fact NIX is said to be more effective than most prescription options. RID is known to be effective in roughly 93 percent of lice infection cases after one use, but it does not deal effectively with eggs.
You do not need a prescription for OTC options. All that is required is to go to the pharmacy and take it off the shelf or ask for it over the counter if it is not available off the shelf.
Prescription Drugs
Some people decide to go to their medical practitioner to get a prescription. In fact, prescription treatment may be the preferred option for young children in lieu of OTC options.
Malathion is a prescription lotion, which is used on the scalp then washed off after 8 to 12 hours. It is usually recommended for more resistant cases. If the affected person is pregnant or nursing, or if they have asthma or sores on the skin they should not use this product.
Ivermectin is also used for stubborn cases where other options have failed. It is an anti-parasitic drug that is taken orally. Individuals who are pregnant or nursing or suffering from asthma or liver disease are at greater risk of side effects from using this drug.
Natural and Home Remedies
There are those who prefer natural remedies for a variety of ailments. For them, natural solutions are the best option. The efficiency of these treatments is usually cause for debate, and they may not work for everyone. Some natural options with great success rates are:
Head Lice Comb: The first step in lice treatment without drugs or shampoos is using a lice comb or tweezers. This method requires a lot of patience as it usually takes a few days before all the lice are removed.
Oil or Vaseline: Smothering is an effective natural head lice treatment. This involves applying Vaseline, olive oil or similar substance to the scalp and hair. Cover the hair with a shower cap or wrap of some sort and let set overnight. It can be a messy job but it has proven to be an effective treatment method.
Organic Head Lice Treatment: Some companies manufacture organic and natural treatment for lice. As stated above, the type of lice treatment used will depend mainly on the likes and dislikes of the users. Some people simply refuse to use anything that is not natural on themselves or their children. What is important, however, is that most head lice treatment will work against both the adult insect and its eggs, known as nits.
The best thing about multiple options is that if one method doesn't work you can easily try another. As with many other types of ailments, natural remedies are generating a lot of interest. Generally, however prescription head lice treatments have not shown a high incidence of side effects.
