10 Treatment Options for Head Lice

Have you ever had an itch on your scalp so intense that you felt like scratching your head until it finally brought some relief? If you have then you are definitely not alone in this. At some point, almost everyone experiences that relentless itching, and it is not entirely your fault. These tiny culprits are called head lice which can wreak real havoc up there.

If you have ever dealt with this annoying issue before, chances are you have gone down the Google search hole searching for answers. Your search history probably looked something like: “How to get rid of head lice fast?” through which you must have likely stumbled upon tons of solutions, each claiming to be the best.

But how do you know which one really works?

Well, do not stress, today, we have rounded up the top 10 treatment options that will help you tackle head lice quite effectively, without all the head scratching confusion.

1. Iveocop 6: A Prescription Powerhouse

Iveocop 6 is a prescription medication containing ivermectin, known for its antiparasitic properties. It works by paralyzing and killing lice and their eggs (nits). Iveocop 6 is taken orally and is especially effective in treating head lice resistant to over-the-counter treatments.

How to use: Take as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is usually a single dose, with a possible second dose after 7 days.

Benefits:

Highly effective against lice and nits
Easy to administer
Reduces the need for combing

Use Iveocop 6 especially if you’ve tried other treatments and experienced recurrent infestations.

2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pediculicides

OTC lice treatments typically contain permethrin or pyrethrin. These are insecticides that kill live lice but may not be as effective against unhatched nits.

Common products:

Nix (permethrin)
RID (pyrethrin-based)

Application: Apply to dry or damp hair and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing. Repeat in 7–10 days.

Tip: Use a fine-tooth comb to remove dead lice and eggs.

3. Prescription Topical Treatments

Prescription topical agents are stronger and may be required for persistent lice cases. Common options include:

Malathion (Ovide)
Spinosad (Natroba)
Benzyl alcohol lotion (Ulesfia)

These treatments are applied directly to the scalp and hair, left for a specific duration, and then rinsed out.

Advantages:

Effective on lice resistant to OTC products
Some kill both lice and eggs

Note: Always consult a healthcare provider before using prescription treatments.

4. Wet Combing Technique

The wet combing method is a mechanical way to remove lice and nits using a fine-tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair.

How to do it:

Apply conditioner generously
Use a lice comb to section and comb hair from scalp to tip
Repeat every 3–4 days for 2 weeks

Pros:

Chemical-free
Safe for all ages

This method is one of the most popular lice removal methods, especially for parents concerned about chemical exposure.

5. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils have insecticidal properties that may help eliminate lice. These include:

Tea tree oil
Eucalyptus oil
Lavender oil
Neem oil

How to use: Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil, apply to the scalp, leave for 30–60 minutes, then rinse and comb.

Caution: Perform a patch test to avoid allergic reactions.

6. Heat Treatment (LouseBuster Devices)

Devices like LouseBuster use controlled heated air to dehydrate and kill lice and nits.

Procedure:

Administered in clinics by trained professionals
Uses a machine to blow hot air at the scalp for about 30 minutes

Benefits:

Chemical-free
High success rate in a single treatment

Limitation:

May be expensive and not widely available

7. Manual Nit-Picking

Manual removal of lice and nits with a nit comb is labor-intensive but effective when done thoroughly.

Steps:

Divide hair into sections
Use a metal nit comb to pull out lice and eggs
Repeat daily for at least 2 weeks

This is one of the most traditional lice removal methods, and while it requires patience, it can be very effective.

8. Home Remedies: Mayonnaise and Vinegar

Some people use thick substances like mayonnaise or petroleum jelly to suffocate lice. Vinegar is sometimes used to loosen the glue that attaches nits to the hair shaft.

Method:

Apply substance to scalp and hair
Cover with shower cap for several hours or overnight
Comb and wash thoroughly

Note: These methods lack strong scientific backing but are widely used.

9. Cleaning Personal Items and Environment

Lice can survive off the scalp for 1–2 days. It’s important to clean items like:

Hairbrushes and combs
Pillowcases, sheets, hats
Upholstery and car headrests

How to clean:

Wash fabrics in hot water and dry on high heat
Soak combs in hot water for 10 minutes
Vacuum furniture and carpets

Reminder: Lice don’t jump or fly, so focus on direct contact items.

10. Preventive Measures and Education

Prevention is key to avoiding reinfestation. Teach children not to share:

Combs or brushes
Hats or helmets
Scarves or headphones

Check the scalp weekly during outbreaks at school or camp.

For families dealing with recurring infestations or lice outbreaks in schools, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider for preventive options. In some cases, oral treatments like Iveocop 6 may be used preventively within households.

Other Important Considerations

Dealing with Resistant Lice

In some cases, lice develop resistance to OTC and even prescription treatments. If you’ve tried multiple methods and are still seeing signs of lice, it might be time to revisit your doctor and ask about Iveocop 6. This oral treatment is often more effective against resistant strains and has been increasingly recommended for its ease of use and efficacy.

Managing Itching and Irritation

Even after lice are killed, itching may persist due to irritation or allergic reactions. You can apply calamine lotion, cold compresses, or an antihistamine (oral or topical) to help soothe the scalp. Avoid scratching, as it may lead to secondary bacterial infections.

Myths About Head Lice

Myth: Lice only affect dirty hair.
Truth: Lice don’t care about hygiene. They thrive on clean or dirty hair alike.
Myth: Pets can carry head lice.
Truth: Head lice are species-specific and only infest humans.
Myth: You need to shave your head to get rid of lice.
Truth: Shaving is unnecessary; thorough treatment and combing are sufficient.

Final Thoughts

Head lice can be frustrating and persistent, but they’re not unbeatable. From prescription medications like Iveocop 6 to mechanical lice removal methods like wet combing, there are numerous treatment strategies available. Early detection, consistent treatment, and proper hygiene can help eliminate lice effectively.

If over-the-counter methods fail, consult your healthcare provider for stronger options—including oral treatments like Iveocop 6, which have proven successful in resistant cases.

By combining proper treatment with preventive practices, you can say goodbye to the itch—and the lice—for good.

FAQs

1. What are the different methods for treating head lice?

You can treat head lice with medications (pediculicides) that are either over-the-counter or by prescription. Some medicines kill lice and eggs; retreatment is usually not required for these. Other medicines kill lice but are not effective at killing eggs and so retreatment is recommended.

2. What are the alternative treatments for lice?

Some parents turn to home remedies for head lice, such as tea tree oil, mayonnaise, neem oil, vinegar, saline spray and many others.

3. Why do I still feel crawling after lice treatment?

One of the most common sources of your head still itching after lice treatment is from a dry or irritated scalp from treatment. All over-the-counter lice treatments contain a variety of irritants – from chemicals to salt-based compounds – that cause irritation and drying on the scalp.

4. How do you clean your house after lice?

To clean your home after a head lice infestation, focus on washing items that came into contact with the infested person, vacuuming, and soaking hair accessories. Lice cannot survive long off the human head, so deep cleaning the entire house is generally not necessary.

5. Why can’t you use conditioner after lice treatment?

You shouldn’t use conditioner immediately after a lice treatment because it can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. Conditioner can coat the hair, creating a barrier that prevents the lice treatment from reaching and killing the lice and their eggs (nits).