Does your child constantly scratch their head after school? Or do you yourself feel an annoying itch on your head? When you look, there are lice all over your head! This is actually a bit annoying for many people. But don't worry, there are good treatments for this. Today we are talking about a special shampoo that can be purchased at pharmacies that treats lice.
What is this medicated shampoo? (Pyrethrins; Piperonyl Butoxide)
Simply put, this is a type of medicine used to kill lice. It mainly contains two chemicals called Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide .
Think about how this works. Pyrethrins are a natural insecticide derived from the Chrysanthemum flower. They work by affecting the nervous system of lice, killing them. The part called Piperonyl Butoxide enhances the effectiveness of the Pyrethrins. This means that the lice have less chance of escaping the medicine.
The important thing is that while this shampoo can kill adult lice, it usually does not kill lice eggs (nits). This is why doctors often recommend repeating the treatment in about 7-10 days.
This medicine can be used for head lice, as well as for body and private areas (pubic lice).
Things to tell your doctor before using this
Before using this shampoo, you should definitely talk to your doctor if you have any of the conditions below.
- If you have asthma .
- If you have an allergic reaction to Pyrethrins, Piperonyl Butoxide, or other medications, foods, or dyes, you should be especially careful if you are allergic to flowers like Chrysanthemum.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
When you tell your doctor things like this, he or she can decide if this medication is right for you or if you need another option.
How exactly do you use this?
To get the most out of the medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
1. For external use only: This is not a medicine to be taken orally or ingested. It is only to be applied to the hair and skin.
2. No Conditioner: Do not use conditioner or shampoos containing conditioner on your hair immediately before applying shampoo. This is because conditioners can form a film on the hair, preventing the medication from being absorbed properly.
3. Read the label: Read the instructions on the bottle of shampoo you buy carefully. It should clearly state how long to leave it on your head and how to rinse it off.
4. How to wash: When rinsing off the shampoo, wash with your head tilted over a tub or sink. This will help reduce the chance of the medicine getting on other parts of the body. Do not use hot water. Use lukewarm water.
5. Re-wash: After this treatment, do not wash your hair with regular shampoo again for 1-2 days . This may interfere with the effectiveness of the medicine.
For use in young children: Doctors sometimes recommend this medicine for children over 2 years of age. However, be sure to consult a pediatrician before using it on a child.
What if it is used too much?
If you accidentally take this medicine, or if you think you have taken too much, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
How do you prevent lice from coming back?
Just as important as treatment is preventing re-infestation of lice. Lice are creatures that can easily spread from one person to another through clothing, hats, bed sheets, towels, combs, and hairbrushes.
- Check everyone in the household: If one person in the household has lice, check everyone else's heads. Everyone with lice should be treated at the same time.
- Wash clothes and bedding: Wash all used clothes, towels, pillowcases, and bedsheets thoroughly in hot water and, if possible, dry them in the dryer on a hot cycle for at least 20 minutes. If you don't have a dryer, hang them to dry in the sun .
- Non-washable items: Dry clean non-washable items like clothes and toys. Alternatively, place them in a tightly sealed plastic bag and store for about 4 weeks .
- Combs and brushes: Wash all used combs and hairbrushes thoroughly with soap and hot water (above 55 Celsius) for 5-10 minutes. Never use other people's combs.
- Home cleaning: Clean furniture, carpets, and floors thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner.
What side effects can be expected?
Like any medication, this can cause side effects in some people. It's important to know what they are.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention |
|
| Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) |
|
Remember, you can still scratch your head when you have lice. The itching may increase for a while after applying the medication. This does not mean that the medication did not work. However, if the itching is severe or lasts for several days, it is a good idea to see a doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Although this shampoo can kill lice, it does not kill lice eggs (nits), so you may need to re-treat after 7-10 days.
- Do not apply conditioner before using the shampoo. Also, do not wash your hair for 1-2 days after the treatment.
- If someone in the house gets lice, check everyone else and, if necessary, treat everyone at the same time.
- It is essential to thoroughly clean items such as clothing, bedsheets, and combs to prevent re-infestation of lice.
- If severe allergic symptoms (difficulty breathing, swelling) occur, seek medical advice immediately.
- Consult your doctor before using any medication, especially for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children.
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