Breaking the cycle: How to kill head lice
Insecticides
Pyrethrin and permethrin are found in over- the- counter products like Rid, Nix and Kwellada. Lice around the world have developed resistance to these types of popular treatments. Ivermectin lotion is used for treatment- resistant lice in the U. S. under the trade name Sklice, although it is not licensed in Canada for this purpose. Ivermectin is medication usually used in pill form to kill internal parasites. Malathion lotion ( Ovide) can kill eggs and is available by prescription in the U. S., but not Canada. Malathion in Canada is widely used as an agricultural insecticide.
Oils
Tea tree oil, neem oil and other plant oils containing nerolidol have been shown to have some effect on adult lice by interfering with their respiration and may kill some eggs. Some studies suggest they work best left overnight under a shower cap. Other home remedies are petroleum jelly and mayonnaise, which can suffocate adult insects.
Combing
Specially designed nit combs can be used every three to four days over a period of two weeks to get rid of nits and adults. Repeated treatments are necessary to remove new nymphs as they hatch. Health offi cials advise applying lots of hair conditioner before each combing to immobilize nymph- stage and adult lice.
Head shaving
The ultimate solution that removes all nits and lice.