Prescription Lice Treatments
Head lice infestations, also termed as nits or pediculosis capitis, is a common condition affecting the scalp. The condition mostly affects pre-school children attending childcare, primary school children, and the household members of infested children. At Lice Charmers, we do not use prescription products as there are safer and more effective methods available.
The number of cases of human pediculosis infestations has increased globally since the 1960s, reaching hundreds of millions each year. There is no lice treatment or product as such that ensures 100% destruction of the hatched lice (nymphs) and the eggs after a single treatment.
There are a variety of treatments with varying degrees of effectiveness and success. They are either over-the-counter or prescription options and include lotions, shampoos, and rinses. Many of them have lost their efficacy because of the resistance lice have evolved.
Prescription Types
There are several prescribed lice treatments (insecticides) available in the market. These include:
Lindane (Kwell)
Lindane is a lice shampoo that kills the parasites and some of their eggs by suffocating their nervous systems. For treating a lice manifestation, apply lindane to clean, dry hair. Coat the hair lightly with the shampoo and leave it on for 4 minutes, then wash and rinse. You can use a nit comb to get rid of the dead lice and eggs.
Note: Lindane is now discontinued in many countries as it can be easily absorbed into the skin, potentially causing harm to the human body.
Benzyl Alcohol
Commonly sold under the brand name Ulesfia, this non-neurotoxic topical treatment actively suffocates the lice. The FDA has approved 5% Benzyl Alcohol as safe and effective for treating head lice in children aged 6 or above, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Apply the shampoo to dry hair and the scalp area, letting it settle for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. It is essential to apply the lotion again one week after the first application, as the medicine kills only the adult lice, not their eggs.
Malathion
Malathion lotion (Ovide) is both pediculicidal (kills live lice) and partially ovicidal (kills some lice eggs). Treatment involves an application to the scalp and hair, which is left on for 8 to 12 hours. After the treatment time, shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Warning: This lotion contains alcohol and is highly combustible. Avoid using it near heating materials, open flames, electric heat, cigarettes, or stoves. It is not recommended for pregnant/breastfeeding women or children under two years of age.
Ivermectin
Sold under the brand name Sklice, the FDA approved this lotion in 2012. It works effectively to eliminate most hatched lice in a single use, potentially removing the need for a second round of treatment. The lotion is applied to dry hair and scalp, left on for ten minutes, and then rinsed off. It is safe for children aged six months and above.
Spinosad (Natroba)
Spinosad is both pediculicidal and ovicidal—eliminating parasites and eggs in all stages. This often removes the requirement for extensive combing. Spinosad has shown less resistance in comparison to other treatments, and a second course is typically only needed about 25% of the time. It is safe for children aged four years and over.
Prescription Head Lice Treatment Costs
While prescription lice treatments can be more effective than over-the-counter options, they are often pricey. For example, Sklice can cost around $350 or more for a single tube and is frequently not covered by insurance.
Always note that prescription head lice treatments (pesticides) should only be used on children of certain ages and may require multiple applications as per the specific directions.