Lindane for treating head lice
February 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Lindane is the most toxic head lice killer (pediculicide) available. It is a cyclodiene pesticide. Patients report an unpleasant sensation when using this treatment. This is caused by the head lice twitching on the scalp as they experience a slow death.
There is another disadvantage to using Lindane - it is not greatly successful in killing the head louse eggs (only 45 – 70% ovicidal) which means that re-infestation is likely and one treatment will definately NOT eradicate head lice.
There are claims that, because of its widespread and sustained use, head lice are also becoming resistant to Lindane. However, it is a toxic substance and sustained use carries a risk of side – effects.
To reduce the chances of side-effects, patients should use no more that 2oz of Lindane shampoo per treatment. Patients should also wear gloves to reduce absorption into the blood stream. If there is broken skin it should not be applied.
Lindane also increases the absorpancy of the hair meaning that no other hair products or oils should be applied for several days afterwards to prevent undesired effects on the hair.
On balance, there are much safer options for treating head lice than using Lindane. In many parts of the world it has been banned from animal usage…which should give us pause for thought before using it on humans.
Lindane is often a low-cost treatment for head lice and serious side-effects experienced have usually been experienced through misuse. However, if cost is an issue, a high quality nit comb and hair conditioner is a cheap and effective treatment for head lice.
