Best Shampoo For Lice In India

Lice shampoo is a topical medication that is used to kill head lice and their eggs (nits). This contains active ingredients like pyrethrins or permethrin, which are effective in killing lice and nits and relieving scalp itching, discomfort, inflammation, and pain. It disrupts the nerve function of the lice, leading to lice and eggs. Apply the shampoo for a short time and then rinse with water. Use a nit comb to remove dead lice and nits from the hair. Repeat the treatment for 7-10 days to kill the new lice if any are present.

Why is Lice Shampoo Used?

Lice shampoo is used to treat infestations of head lice. It contains insecticidal or suffocating agents that kill lice, remove nits, prevent their spread, and relieve itching and discomfort in the scalp.

How Does Lice Shampoo Work?

Lice shampoos contain active ingredients like Permethrin, Pyrethrin, and Dimethicone, which dehydrate and suffocate the lice. This disrupts the nerve cells of the lice, leading to paralysis in the lice, which finally leads to parasite death.

Benefits of Lice Shampoo:

• Eliminates lice: It removes the lice by paralyzing and killing them.
• Improves scalp health: Soothes the scalp and reduces inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Prevents re-infestation: Insecticidal property kills live lice and their eggs (nits).

Best Anti-Lice Shampoo Used in India:

• 1% Permethrin shampoo: It is mainly used to treat head lice infections in humans. It contains permethrin as the active ingredient. It disrupts the nerve function of the lice, leading to lice and eggs. It is safe for use in children aged 2 months and older. Follow the instructions carefully.
• Pyrethrins/Piperonyl Butoxide shampoo: This contains Pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide as active ingredients, which effectively treat lice (head, body, or pubic area 'crabs') in adults and children 2 years of age and older. It damages lice's nerves, leading to lice paralysis and death.
• Ivermectin Shampoo 5%: It kills head lice and parasitic infections by killing the insects on the scalp. It damages the nerves of lice and parasites residing on the scalp, resulting in paralysis of the insects, and finally leads to death. It is considered safe for individuals 6 months and older.

Natural Remedies for Lice Treatment:

Natural remedies for lice treatment involve the topical application of natural medicines like olive oil, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. These contain insecticides that suffocate and kill lice and their eggs.

• Tea Tree Oil: Mix a small amount of tea tree oil with a base like coconut oil. Apply to the scalp and leave for 30-60 minutes. Comb out lice, and wash the hair.
• Neem Oil: Mix with shampoo or coconut oil. Apply to the scalp, and leave it for 30 minutes. Rinse and comb out lice.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar and water in equal proportions. Apply to the scalp, and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse with water and comb. It removes the lice.
• Olive Oil: Massage olive oil over the scalp. Cover with a cap, and leave overnight. Comb out lice in the morning. Repeat the treatment as required.
• Mayonnaise: Coat hair thickly, cover the hairs, and leave overnight. Wash out and comb in the morning. It smoothens the lice and helps in easy removal.
• Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline): Apply a thick layer to the scalp, cover the scalp, and leave overnight. Wash out with dish soap, and comb out the lice.
• Scalp Spray: Mix an equal proportion of salt and vinegar. Spray onto the scalp, and leave for 2 hours. Rinse and comb. It dries out and kills lice.
• Wet Combing: Use a fine-toothed lice comb after wetting, for easy lice removal.

Also Read - Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men and Women

General Method for Lice Treatment:

General methods are effective for treatment, as these eliminate lice, prevent reinfestation and spreading, and relieve scalp itching and discomfort. It restores hygiene and improves scalp health.

• Apply Lice Treatment: Apply to dry hair and scalp, and leave for 10 minutes/ throughout the night as per the treatment condition used. Rinse with water.
• Comb Out Lice and Nits: Use a fine-toothed comb on towel-dried hair. Wipe the comb with paper or a towel. Repeat the procedure for 20–30 minutes, for the ears and nape of the neck.
• Repeat Treatment (as needed): Continue to apply the topical medicine on the scalp. Comb daily 3 times until no lice or nits are found.
• Clean Environment: Wash all clothes, bed linens, and towels in hot water. Dry them.
• Avoid Direct Contact: Avoid direct head-to-head contact with an infected person (family members, friends), as it may spread to your hair.
• Restrict personal items: Always use your separate brushes, towels, or clothing to prevent lice infestation. Maintains scalp hygiene: Shampoo the hair 2 times a week or as needed.

When to See a Doctor?

• Lice come back even after proper treatment.
• On using anti-lice shampoo, and if there is no improvement.
• Present symptoms of scalp infection such as redness, itching, irritation, and discomfort.
• Always consult your physician before using this medicine for children under 2 years old.
• If there is any allergy to the shampoo used. Tell your doctor and take the necessary treatment.
• In case of pregnancy and breastfeeding, don’t self-medicate.

Conclusion:

Best shampoos for lice treatment have insecticidal properties that kill the lice, and nits (eggs) when applied topically. 1% Permethrin shampoo, Ivermectin Shampoo 5%, and Pyrethrins/Piperonyl Butoxide shampoo are examples of anti-lice shampoos; these effectively treat (kill and remove) lice from the scalp and improve scalp health. Herbal medicines such as Tea Tree Oil, neem oil, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and petroleum jelly are effective medicines for lice treatment. Apply natural oils like neem oil and olive oil, use a fine-tooth comb, clean the environment, avoid direct contact with infected persons, restrict personal item use, and maintain scalp hygiene are the general methods for lice treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the best shampoos for lice treatment in India?
A: 1% Permethrin shampoo, Pyrethrins/Piperonyl Butoxide shampoo, and Ivermectin Shampoo 5% are the most popular lice shampoos used. These kill the lice and their eggs and reduce scalp inflammation.

Q: How often should I use lice shampoo?
A: It is used to kill the live and hatched lice (after 7-10 days) before they can reproduce. Read the label carefully and follow the instructions strictly.

Q: Are lice shampoos safe for children?
A: Yes, some lice shampoos are safe but restricted to children aged 2 years and older. Always consult a child specialist if unsure.

Q: Can lice shampoos remove nits (eggs) as well?
A: Many shampoos kill lice, but not all remove or kill the nits. Hence, a fine-toothed lice comb is recommended after shampoo use.

Q: Can lice shampoo be applied to all hair types?
A: Yes, lice shampoos are generally safe to apply to all hair types. In the case of hair coloring and chemically treated hair, consult a doctor before use.