Does prescription lice treatment kill eggs?

Are you tired of those pesky little bugs crawling all over your head? Want to get rid of them once and for all? Look no further than prescription lice treatments!

But hold up, do these treatments really work in killing those stubborn little nits or just the adult lice themselves? Here’s everything you need to know.

Who gets head Lice?

If you thought only dirty people got head lice, think again. Even the cleanest of us can fall victim to these tiny insects that love nothing more than feasting on our blood. Head lice are common among school-going kids as they tend to share brushes, hats, and hair ties with each other.

But don’t worry; head lice can be eradicated with proper treatment.

What is Prescription Lice Treatment?

Prescription remedies are usually prescribed when regular over-the-counter (OTC) products aren’t effective enough. There are two types of prescription medications available:

• Lotion
• Cream rinse

Both contain insecticides that help kill adult lice by impairing their nervous system function until they eventually die. They’re also formulated to be tough on nits (lice eggs), but will they completely eliminate them from your scalp altogether?

Primary Prevention Measures

Prevention measures should always come first before opting for any type of treatment method. These include:

1. Avoid sharing personal items such as combs/hairbrushes.
2. Keep long hair tied up tightly or short so it’s harder for critters to stick around.
3. Regularly vacuum carpets and furniture where children frequent to eradicate droppings which could host infestation.
   4 . Check heads regularly especially after recent exposure.

How Do Prescription Head Lice Treatments Work?

As mentioned earlier, prescription treatments come in either lotion or cream rinse form containing ingredients recognized by the FDA as safe and effective for killing head lice. Some prescription medications that doctors recommend include:

Malathion

Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide used to kill adult lice by disrupting their nervous system function. It’s a topical medication usually applied on dry hair and left to sit for 8-12 hours before rinsing off with water.

As much as malathion achieves remarkable results, there’s still the issue of resistance especially if overused. Always adhere to usage instructions from your doctor or pharmacist.

Rejoice at its effectiveness not resistance though

Lindane

Lindane is another alternative often recommended when other treatments have failed due to extensive nit infestation. This treatment contains benzene hexachloride – an insecticide that penetrates the waxy protective layer around the eggs (nits), so they no longer develop into live insects.

Although it may seem like a great solution, be warned: Lindane has been widely criticized because of its side effects including seizures in children who use it frequently/prolonged periods.

Will Prescription Head Lice Treatments Kill Nits?

The question everyone wants an answer to!

One main concern regarding prescription head lice treatments is whether they’re capable of getting rid of nits completely along with adult lice? The truth is that these medications don’t necessarily kill all the nits on your scalp but rather prevent them from hatching into live insects.

However, using both practices could ensure elimination like; “combing dead nits out” just after treatment when they are easier to manage than sticky eggshells cemented onto hair shafts hence leaving little behind.

How Long Does it Take For Prescription Head Lice Treatment To Work?

Treatment timelines vary depending on which remedy chosen & personal circumstances such as level/length of infestation among others factors such age/overall health states/administration methods etc – Be mindful of your individual situation.

Lice and nits don’t disappear immediately after the first application of lice medication, so patience is key as it usually takes a couple of weeks for them to be completely eradicated. Do not self-medicate however satisfying this option may seem; rather get medical advice from professionals.

Side Effects Of Prescription Head Lice Treatment

Just like any other medications out there, prescription head lice treatments could trigger some unwanted effects on the user such as [1]:

• Rashes
• Nausea/vomiting
• Seizures (extreme cases only/usually caused by misuse)

It’s important always to follow usage directions carefully in order to avoid adverse complications post treatment.

DIY Alternatives To Prescription Remedies

If you’re uncomfortable using medicated treatments or are looking for cheaper options, Try some proven home remedies:

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has gained popularity thanks to its effectiveness against bacteria and fungi alike. A study conducted in 2012 found that mixing tea tree oil with natural shampoo was 41% more effective than placebo shampoo when treating head lice.

Apply a few drops directly onto hair/scalp then comb afterward once dry – Follow this up regularly over time.

Mayonnaise

Wait what?! Mayo? Yes you heard right! Because oils present in mayo suffocate the lice taking away their ability too feed/consequently run riot with eggs left behind killing them while at it!

Massage an ample amount into clean/dry scalp before covering wit platic cap overnight then washing off next morning – works perfectly if done twice weekly over two week or so span

The Bottom Line…

In conclusion, Prescriptions kill adult louse hence significantly lowering number living organisms requiring growths-stunting process done by dipping teeth in vinegar solution beforehand; If followed-up tenaciously enough plan help user overcome all traces of nittage might have remained. Remember patience is important because complete eradication always requires a couple of weeks since fresh eggs easily missed & must be tended to with special tools like nits combs for quick/efficient results.

Note that it’s necessary multi-disciplined approach addressing various aspects equally effectively then stepping back and rejoicing clean scalp worth showing off!