Every mother gets worried when her child says, "Mom, I'm scratching my head!" or when she sees her child's hair full of lice and nits after school. This is a very common and annoying condition. It spreads very quickly, especially among school-going children. There are several treatments for this. Today we are going to talk about one such treatment, a liquid ointment called Ivermectin.
What is this medicine called Ivermectin?
Simply put, this is an anti-infective medication used to kill head lice and their eggs (ladybugs). It comes as a lotion that is applied to the scalp. It is not an oral medication. In Sri Lanka, you may see it under the brand name Sklice.
Just think, lice are tiny parasites that live by sucking blood from the skin of our scalp. What this medicine does is affect the nervous system of those parasites, paralyzing them and destroying them. Therefore, this is considered a very effective treatment for lice control.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before using this medicine, it is very important to inform your doctor about some facts. This will help him decide whether this medicine is safe for you or not.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Ivermectin, or any other medicine, food, or preservatives, you must tell your doctor. Otherwise, a severe allergic reaction may occur. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before using this medicine. You should consider the possible effects on your unborn baby. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother (Breast-feeding) | If you are a breastfeeding mother, it is very important to ask your doctor whether this medicine can pass to your baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of the medicine, it is essential to use it correctly.
Most importantly: This medicine is for topical use only. Do not take it by mouth for any reason!
Here are the steps to follow:
- Step 1: This should only be used on dry hair . Do not apply to wet hair.
- Step 2: Before applying the medicine, do not wash your hair with a shampoo-conditioner or conditioner alone. Apply this only after washing your hair with a regular shampoo and letting it dry completely.
- Step 3: Apply the solution to your entire hair, including your scalp. Read the instructions on the bottle carefully and leave it on for the recommended amount of time (usually 10 minutes).
- Step 4: After the allotted time, rinse the medicine off. When rinsing, tilt your head over a sink or tub to reduce the chance of the medicine getting on your skin. Never use hot water. Rinse with plain water.
- Step 5: Do not wash your hair again for a day or two after using the medicine.
What if it is used for small children?
Usually, a doctor may prescribe this medicine even for children over 6 months of age. However, special precautions must be followed. Therefore, be sure to consult your doctor before using this on a child.
What to do if you overdose on medication?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, or if someone has taken it by mouth, treat it as an emergency. Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital without delay.
Remember, this medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with others, even if they also have lice. Everyone should seek medical advice.
How do you prevent lice from coming back?
Just using medication is not enough. We need to do a few more things to stop lice from coming back.
Usually, this medication is enough after a single use. However, if you still see live lice on your head a few days after treatment, talk to your doctor again.
Lice are easily spread from person to person through shared items such as clothing, hats, scarves, bedding, towels, combs, and hairpins. So follow these steps:
- Check everyone in the household: Check the heads of everyone in the household. If lice are present, everyone should be treated together.
- Wash clothes: Machine wash all used clothes, sheets, pillowcases, and towels in hot water . Then dry them in the dryer on a hot cycle for at least 20 minutes.
- Non-washable items: Dry clean non-washable items like clothes and toys. Alternatively, place them in an airtight plastic bag, seal it, and store for two weeks .
- Combs and brushes: Wash all combs and hairbrushes in hot, soapy water for 5-10 minutes. Never share your comb with others.
- Clean the house: Clean furniture, carpets, and floors thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.
| Type of side effect | What are the characteristics? |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Symptoms such as skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue can be dangerous. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Minor side effects | Dandruff, dry skin, burning or redness of the eyes, and skin irritation where the medicine was applied. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Ivermectin lotion is a topical medication used to treat head lice.
- Before using this, tell your doctor about any allergies you have and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Follow the instructions on the label exactly when using the medicine. If you use too much of the medicine or if someone drinks it, go to the National Poison Information Center or ETU immediately.
- To prevent re-infestation of lice, check everyone in the household and thoroughly clean used items such as clothes and combs.
- If allergic symptoms occur after applying the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
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