For parents of school-age children, "head lice" is a very common, yet very annoying problem. There are times when the child is constantly scratching his head, and no matter how much you comb out the lice with a lice comb and do one thing after another, you can't completely get rid of this problem, right? In such cases, today we are talking about a special treatment that doctors recommend.
What is this liquid called Benzyl Alcohol?
Simply put, this is a liquid (lotion) medicine used to kill lice on the head and hair. The special thing about this medicine is that it only kills live lice . Lice eggs, which are what we call "ladybugs", are not killed by this medicine.
That is why this treatment cannot be stopped once it is done. It is essential to apply the medicine for the first time and then do this treatment for the second time exactly 7 days later . Only then will it be possible to control even the lice that hatch from the eggs that were not destroyed the first time.
Things to tell your doctor before using the medicine
It is very important to discuss these issues with your doctor before using this medicine for yourself or your child.
- Tell us if you have an allergic reaction to Benzyl Alcohol or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, tell us.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother, be sure to inform the doctor.
Based on this information, it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this medication is right for you or not.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the best results from the treatment, it is very important to follow these steps exactly.
1. For external use only: First of all, remember that this is not a medicine to be taken orally at any time . It is only to be applied to the scalp and hair.
2. Do not use conditioner: If you wash your hair before applying the medicine, do not use conditioner or a shampoo containing conditioner (2-in-1) for any reason . Wash with regular shampoo only and dry thoroughly.
3. Apply correctly: Read the instructions on the bottle carefully. The general rule is to apply the product to dry hair, from the scalp to the ends. You need to apply it to all parts of your hair so that the product is well absorbed.
4. How to wash: After applying the medicine, leave it on for the prescribed time (the time mentioned in the instruction leaflet), and then wash your hair by tilting your head over a basin of water or a bathtub . Do not wash your entire body as if you were taking a bath. This will prevent the medicine from getting on unwanted parts of the body.
5. Avoid hot water: Do not use extremely hot water to wash your hair. Use normal lukewarm water.
6. Re-wash: After rinsing and removing the medication, do not shampoo your hair again for 1 or 2 days .
If you use it for small children...
This medicine can be used on children over 6 months of age, as per the doctor's advice. However, there are special considerations when using it on young children, so be sure to talk to a pediatrician and use it only on his advice.
Take care of these things during treatment
It's not enough to just apply medication. You must do these things to prevent lice from re-infesting.
- Cleaning clothes and other items: Clothes, hats, used bedding, pillowcases, and towels that the person with lice recently wore should be washed thoroughly in hot water . Or have them dry-cleaned. Also wash and clean used items like combs, brushes, and hairpins in hot water.
- Checking the whole family: Lice are very easily spread from one person to another. Lice can be spread through things like sharing clothes, changing hats, sleeping in the same bed, and using the same comb. So, check the heads of everyone else in the house . If anyone else has lice, it's best to treat everyone at the same time.
- Overdosage: If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, or if someone drinks it, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
- Do not share medicine: This medicine has been prescribed for you or your child by a doctor. Do not share it with others .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this can cause minor side effects in some people. It's important to be aware of that.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to tell your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin irritation, eczema, rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Inflammation of the skin and eyes | Burning, redness, or pain in the areas where the medicine was applied or in the eyes. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Itchy scalp | Slight itching or redness of the scalp after applying the medicine. |
| Skin redness | Slight redness of the treated skin area. |
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
- Do not freeze the medicine. That means do not put it in the freezer.
- Throw away expired medicine.
This information is just a summary. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please discuss them with your family doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Benzyl Alcohol is a medicine that kills lice, not a medicine that destroys lice eggs (ladybugs).
- Therefore, a second treatment must be done 7 days after the first treatment.
- Do not use conditioner before applying the medicine. Wash your hair with lukewarm water, being careful not to rub it into your hair.
- Thoroughly clean any clothing, bedding, and combs used by the person with lice.
- Check the heads of other people in the house as well. If necessary, get everyone treated together.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
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