Permethrin as a treatment for head lice
January 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Permethrin (trade name Nix Creme Rinse) is a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide. If you have a crysanthemum allergy you may also be allergic to permethrin as they have a similar chemical base.
Permethrin is not 100% ovicidal meaning that between 70 and 95% of eggs may be killed during treatment. However, that remaining 5 – 30% of surviving and hatching eggs may go on to produce a repeat head louse infestation. One treatment is never enough to completely solve the problem. There are also claims that some head lice are becoming resistant to permethrin. Vigilence after treatment in essential to ensure complete eradication of head lice.
Permethrin is traditionally administered in shampoo form which is then left for 10 minutes before rinsing. Part of the appeal of this method of treating headlice is the speed of treatment compared to formulae that need to be left applied for several hours.
