Does your child have lice? Let's learn more about Permethrin lotion!

Does your little one scratch his head all the time? Does he say, "Mommy, I'm scratching my head" when he comes home from school? Or do you feel like there are little creatures crawling around on your head these days? The cause of this could be lice. Lice are small but very annoying creatures. But don't worry, there is a good treatment for this. One such treatment is a lotion called Permethrin. Today, let's talk about what exactly this Permethrin lotion is, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.

What kind of medicine is Permethrin?

Simply put, Permethrin is a special lotion used to kill head lice and nits. It works like an insecticide that is toxic to lice. But it is formulated in a safe concentration for human use. When applied, it kills not only the lice but also their eggs. Only then can you be completely free from the lice problem.

"But doctor, is this only for lice?" You may ask. Yes, it is mainly used for head lice. But sometimes it can be prescribed for other skin parasites as well. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about this. Sometimes you may see this medicine under brand names like 'Nix' when you buy it at the pharmacy (Nix Complete Lice Elimination Kit, Nix Lice Killing Creme Rinse). But almost all of them contain this substance called Permethrin.

What should I tell my doctor before using this medicine?

This is very important. Before you use Permethrin lotion, you should tell your doctor or the person at the pharmacy:

• Do you have asthma? Some asthma patients may experience minor discomfort from the smell of these types of medications or when the medication is absorbed through the skin.
• Are you allergic to Permethrin or other insecticides (such as mosquito repellents and household insecticides)? Or have you had an unusual or allergic reaction to flowers such as chrysanthemums (which contain natural compounds similar to permethrin), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives? This is very important, as this medicine may not be suitable for such people.
• Are you pregnant or hoping to become pregnant?
• Are you a breastfeeding mother?

In these cases, the doctor may suggest an alternative or tell you about special precautions to take when using this medication. Therefore, it is very important to share this information without hiding it.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

This is also a very important part. To get the full benefit of the medicine, you need to use it correctly.

• First of all, remember that this medicine is not meant to be taken orally. It is for external use only.
• Read the product label on the medicine bottle or tube carefully. Follow the directions exactly.
• Do not use conditioner or combination shampoo-conditioner before applying this medicine. Conditioners can reduce the oiliness of the hair and prevent the medicine from being absorbed properly by the hair and scalp. This medicine should be applied after washing the hair with a regular shampoo and drying it thoroughly.
• How long you leave the product on and how you rinse it off can vary slightly depending on the product. So be sure to follow the instructions for the product you are using. Usually, leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
• When washing your head, tilt your head over a sink or tub to limit skin exposure. Also, do not use hot water. Wash with lukewarm water.
• After using the medicine and washing it off, you should generally not shampoo your hair again for a day or two. That way, the medicine will stay active for a little longer.

Important: If you are using this medicine on young children, be sure to consult a pediatrician. Although this medicine can be given to babies as young as two months old in some special cases, there are special precautions. Follow your doctor's instructions.

What if the medicine is used in excess? (Overdosage)

What would you do if someone accidentally took too much of this medicine or accidentally swallowed it? If that happens, call the nearest poison control center or hospital emergency room immediately.

Is it okay to share this medicine with others?

Another thing, if this medicine is prescribed for you, it is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else , even if they say they have lice. Since everyone's body conditions are different, it is not a good idea to give medicine to others without asking a doctor.

What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?

This is usually a single application treatment. That is, the medicine is applied to the scalp once. Therefore, the term 'skipping a course of medicine' does not apply to this. However, as we will discuss later, there are times when a second application is necessary.

Can this medicine interact with other things?

Permethrin lotion generally does not cause major problems with other medications (interactions are not expected). However, do not apply any other ointment or oil to the area where lice are present (the scalp) without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

It's best to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (over-the-counter, over-the-counter), herbs, and dietary supplements. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal drugs. Some things can cause side effects with medications.

What should I be careful about when using this medicine?

• As we mentioned earlier, this is usually a one-time treatment. However, if you still see live lice after 7 days or more of treatment, you may need a second treatment. Talk to your doctor about this.
• Lice are easily transmitted from one person to another. Lice can be transmitted through direct contact with objects such as clothing, hats, scarves, bed sheets, towels, bathrobes, combs, and hairpins.
• Therefore, everyone in your home should be checked for lice. If someone is found to have lice, they should also be treated. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor or a health worker.

How can I prevent lice from coming back and spreading them to others?

This is also very important. After treating lice, you should do the following to prevent lice from coming back:

• Machine wash all used clothing, bedding (pillowcases, mattress covers), towels, and bath towels in very hot water. Then, dry them in the dryer on a hot cycle for at least 20 minutes.
• If you have clothes that cannot be washed (such as some coats), have them dry cleaned. Alternatively, place them in a tightly sealed plastic bag for about two weeks. This will kill any lice that may be present.
• If you use wigs or hairpieces, wash them with shampoo as well.
• Wash all your used hairbrushes and combs in very hot soapy water (over 130 degrees F) for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Do not share your combs and brushes with others.
• Wash children's toys thoroughly in hot water (over 130 degrees F) for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, place them in an airtight plastic bag and seal for two weeks.
• And also, inside the house, in the roomsVacuum furniture, rugs, and floors thoroughly.

If you do these things properly, you can greatly reduce the chance of a lice problem recurring. Imagine, Nilanthi's daughter got lice from school, and when they cleaned the entire house like this, no one else got them again.

Can this medicine cause side effects?

Like any medicine, Permethrin lotion can cause minor side effects. These are usually not serious and may not be enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. However, if these persist or bother you, tell your doctor.

• A little bit of scratching of the scalp (itching)
• Redness or mild swelling of the scalp
• A stinging or burning sensation on the scalp
• Tingling sensation

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Sri Lanka, you can report them to your doctor or the Drug Information Center at your nearest government hospital.

How do you store the medicine?

• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
• Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• After treatment is complete, throw away any unused medicine.

This leaflet is a summary only. It may not contain all the information you need. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

So, what are the most important things to remember from what we've talked about? (Take-Home Message)

• Permethrin is a medicine that kills lice and lice eggs.
• This is only for external use, don't drink it.
• Do not use conditioner before applying the medicine.
• If you have allergies, are pregnant, or are a nursing mother, be sure to tell your doctor.
• If you still see live lice 7 days after applying the medication, talk to your doctor about whether you need to be treated again.
• To stop the spread of lice, everyone in the household needs to thoroughly clean their clothes, combs, and bedding.
• When giving to young children, seek the advice of a pediatrician.

Head lice are nothing to be ashamed of, anyone can get them. The most important thing is to treat them properly and prevent them from coming back. Do you understand? If you have any questions, just ask.

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