Shampoos against lice and nits

Pediculosis is a skin disease caused by lice. These parasitic insects live on humans in areas with dense hair growth. They feed on blood and, when they bite, inject saliva under the skin, causing irritation—redness, the appearance of bumps (similar to acne on teenagers), and itching. Lice are eliminated within hours, and treatment is available to everyone.

Lice and nit treatments: forms of release and active ingredients

The most effective of all the various medications for treating pediculosis are those developed using the following pesticides:

• permethrin - inhibits the processes of polarization of the membrane of nerve cells, which leads to their prolonged excitation and paralysis of the insect;
• phenothrin - disrupts cation exchange in the membranes of nerve cells, which leads to the same consequences;
• Malathion - oxidizes to poisonous malathion, which accumulates in the body and causes the death of the insect within a few minutes, but is also dangerous for animals and humans.

Some substances that are part of pediculicides are used in pure form in the fight against parasites.

Pharmaceutical products are available in the following forms:

• shampoos;
• lotions;
• aerosols;
• emulsions.

Advantages and disadvantages of shampoos

They are the most convenient, but not always effective. After using them, thoroughly wash off the dead parasites and comb out the hair. Their advantages:

• ease of use - they are applied to damp strands for several minutes (usually up to half an hour), after which they are washed off with warm water;
• Hair safety - they have a gentle effect, unlike some substances (for example, benzyl benzoate), which destroy the hair structure, so after using products based on them, curls are restored with treatments or cut off;
• effectiveness against lice - shampoo components have a detrimental effect on adult lice and larvae;
• The exposure time is up to 30 minutes - other forms of pediculicides are sometimes kept on the hair and skin for several hours, which is difficult, especially if there is burning or itching.

Shampoos are easy to apply and rinse out, which is why they are very popular.

Despite the impressive list of advantages, lice shampoos have their disadvantages:

• ineffective in the fight against nits - the egg shell is more difficult to destroy than the chitinous cover of the insect;
• the need for repeated use - since shampoos are mostly ineffective against nits, from which new ones hatch after a few days, the procedure must be repeated.

Anti-pediculosis shampoos are used for disease prevention. Once lice are present on a person, they begin to reproduce rapidly. Therefore, we need products that destroy eggs, not just adults.

Shampoos kill adult lice and larvae, but do not work on nits.

Popular shampoos for head lice

There are many remedies for nits and lice, but not all of them are satisfactory in terms of their use and effectiveness.

Veda

Permethrin-based antiparasitic shampoo is effective against adult lice and larvae, but not against nits. It slightly breaks down the sticky substance that allows lice eggs to stick to the hair, but it does not destroy it completely, so the nits remain. Veda and Veda 2 shampoos are produced. Their fundamental differences lie in the concentration of the active ingredient (the former has 0.4%, the latter 0.5%) and the holding time—30–40 and 10 minutes, respectively.

Their advantages:

• non-toxic to humans;
• do not cause irritation;
• destroy lice and larvae;
• weaken the attachment of nits to the hair.

But there are also disadvantages:

• the eggs remain alive;
• the need to repeat the procedure, but not more than 2 times a month.

The adhesive is broken down by acid, so after rinsing off the product, rinse the hair with a 4.5% vinegar solution (diluted 50/50 with table vinegar and water). After the hair has dried, lice and nits are combed out with a special comb.

Special combs are used to comb out parasites.

Contraindications:

• lactation period and pregnancy;
• children under 5 years of age;
• hypersensitivity to components;
• skin diseases.

Veda and Veda 2 shampoos have the same effect on lice, but have different concentrations of permethrin in their composition.

Hygia

This insecticide, based on permethrin and detergent, paralyzes lice and lathers easily, leaving the skin and hair undamaged and free of pain and itching. It also contains acetic acid, which helps break down the adhesive substance that attaches lice eggs to hair. Apply the shampoo to damp hair and leave it on for 20-25 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Its benefits:

• absence of toxins;
• If the skin is damaged, the shampoo will not cause burning or itching;
• relatively short holding time: 20–25 minutes;
• The kit includes a special comb for combing out lice and nits from dry hair.

Negative aspects of shampoo:

• the need to carry out two procedures with an interval of 7-10 days;
• An allergic reaction in the form of reddening of the skin is possible.

The product is contraindicated:

• children under five years of age;
• pregnant women and during lactation;
• in case of individual intolerance to the components of the product.

Hygia shampoo is easy to apply to hair and rinses out quickly without causing burning.

Paranit

The shampoo is formulated with Clearol, a blend of anise, coconut, and ylang-ylang oils. It also includes foaming agents. This complex of active ingredients suffocates the parasites and causes dehydration, resulting in the death of all hatched eggs. It has a lesser effect on nits, which are protected by their shells.

Contraindications to the drug:

• children under three years of age;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• individual intolerance;
• damage to the scalp.

Advantages:

• the shampoo exposure time is only 10 minutes;
• safety, as it does not contain pesticides.

Flaws:

• it doesn’t help the first time – one or more procedures will be required;
• some of the nits and adults survive;
• high price.

The products under the name Paranit are quite diverse: shampoos, sprays, repellents

Lavinal

This product is based on rosemary and ylang-ylang essential oils. They envelop the parasites, depriving them of air, and also help break down the adhesive that holds the nits to the hair. Essential oils have wound-healing properties, which means damaged skin heals faster after using the shampoo. Lavinal is used for prevention and after treatment with other pediculicidal agents to consolidate the achieved result and destroy those lice and nits that remain alive.

Advantages:

• safety;
• rapid healing of affected areas of the skin;
• hair restoration after aggressive treatments;
• the presence of a comb in the set.

The disadvantage is its low effectiveness against parasites. It also has contraindications:

• children under two years of age;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• individual intolerance.

Lavinal is available as a spray and shampoo.

Pediculen Ultra

Anise essential oil-based shampoo is effective against hatched lice, but does not affect nits or the adhesive substance. Its advantages:

• absence of toxins;
• kills adults and larvae after the first application;
• holding time - half an hour;
• does not cause allergic reactions;
• Allowed for use by pregnant and lactating women after consultation with a doctor.

The only drawback is that the shampoo doesn't kill nits. Contraindications:

• children under 5 years of age;
• individual intolerance to anise.

Pedikulen Ultra is popular due to its safe composition.

Nix

Another product with permethrin as its active ingredient. It has a cream-like consistency and is applied to clean, dry hair. Like shampoo, it rinses out easily with warm water. Just one treatment is enough to kill all lice and nits. Nix protects against reinfestation for the next 2–6 weeks. When using the drug, an allergic reaction may occur at the bite site.

Contraindications:

• children under 6 months;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• individual intolerance.

Advantages:

• the drug works from the first time;
• destruction of nits;
• protection against infection for 2-6 weeks;
• exposure time on hair is 10 minutes;
• the presence of a comb in the set.

The disadvantage is that the active substance of the drug is an insecticide. Its dose for humans is insignificant, but people with hypersensitivity should not use it.

Although Nix is ​​more of a cream, it is easy to apply to hair and skin and rinse out like shampoo.

How to choose shampoo

To buy an effective remedy, consider:

1. The extent of the parasite infestation, its number, and how long ago it appeared. If your skin is covered in red bumps and is constantly itchy and painful, shampoo alone won't be enough. It will help relieve the itching and pain and kill live parasites, but it won't provide a complete cure. If you've only just become infested, any shampoo will do.
   

   The more lice and nits there are, the more difficult it is to get rid of them.

2. Treatment or prevention is necessary. If you visit areas where lice are common, use essential oil-based products to prevent lice infestation.
   

   Various essential oils are good preventatives for head lice.

3. Affordability. Shampoos, even the most expensive ones, aren't always as effective as emulsions or sprays, which cost between 100 and 400 rubles. Sometimes it's worth buying an inconvenient emulsion that requires an hour or more to leave on your hair, but a cheaper and more effective one is worth it.
4. The individual reaction of the body to the components and restrictions such as age, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

General terms of use

To get rid of head lice using shampoos, it is important to use them correctly:

1. Apply to damp hair and leave on for the time indicated in the instructions. On average, it should not exceed half an hour.
2. Avoid contact with eyes. If this occurs, rinse with plenty of water.
3. Store the products in places inaccessible to children, pets and out of sunlight.
   

   Pediculicide shampoos are much more dangerous than regular ones, so they should be kept as far away from children as possible.

4. After washing your hair, comb out nits and lice with a lice comb. It's easiest to do this on dry hair, as it has more air and is less likely to trap lice. However, shampoo manufacturers recommend doing this immediately, before the remaining bloodsuckers recover and regain their ability to escape.
5. If necessary, repeat the procedure 7-10 days after the first. Many medications should not be used more than twice a month.

When using shampoos, an allergic reaction may occur in the area of ​​the parasite bites. This is caused by the sensitivity of the affected areas. In that case Stop using the product to prevent serious consequences, such as Quincke's edema.

Reviews

After rinsing it out, blow-drying my hair, and happily going to have it checked, it turned out that you need to leave the product on your hair longer, and they recommend reapplying it only after a week. Yes, the product worked in 10 minutes, but the clicking (live) nits were still there. I decided to repeat the procedure the next day, but first, apply some Cheremichnaya water. Second day of my ordeal. Good thing it's summer and we have a lot of free time! This time, I left the product on for 50-60 minutes, rinsed it out, dried my hair, straightened it with a flat iron, and waited for the inspector (my mother). That evening, the check was completed: the nits were simply falling off my hair. Of course, the flat iron may have helped, but I don't think we would have managed without the VEDA-2 shampoo!

So, I treated my daughter's head. I'll say right away that the shampoo smells pleasant. Waiting the stated 10-15 minutes with the shampoo on her head is no problem; it doesn't run at all. Overall, I had nothing but positive emotions from using it, but as for the results... While combing, I found a couple of live lice... The instructions warn that the lice may still be alive after the treatment (they're already poisoned and need to wait a little while). But the next day... All the lice were alive and kicking! I combed out about six completely live ones! I was amazed at how quickly they moved across the napkin! The only thing I liked about this product was the comb. It's plastic, but very thick.

I applied the shampoo to dry hair (applying it was very difficult), so I had to pour almost half the bottle onto my head because my hair is thick. The consistency is also a bit off – it feels like oil. After 10 minutes, I went to rinse it out, but the water created a lot of foam! It cleans my hair until it squeaks. The kit includes a nit comb, which is essential after using the shampoo. According to the instructions, you should use the shampoo twice. That means after the first use, you need to repeat the procedure a week later. But I can say that even after the first use, my lice were completely gone, although combing out the nits was quite difficult. The comb included in the kit doesn't really capture them, which is probably why I need to repeat the procedure. Overall, I can say the product is very good and well worth the price.

After washing her hair, I combed out any remaining lice. I was even more dreading this than the treatment itself and worried about what I'd have to hear from my child, because my daughter's hair is very unruly and difficult to comb because it tangles so much. And this set only comes with a fine-tooth comb. But to my surprise, her hair was very manageable and didn't hurt her once. This is thanks to the high-quality fine-tooth comb and the metal one. She even fell asleep leaning her elbows on the table while I was busy searching for the bodies. Of course, the smell remained, although not as strong. But her hair and scalp were unharmed. The next day, they were smooth as silk, you could take the ad down. I liked that fact. Fortunately, I found almost no lice residue. I still think the product is effective, albeit a bit pricey. But what can't you do for our children?

I applied the product generously to my hair, then rinsed it under running water and washed it with regular shampoo. The scent was annoying and didn't wash out easily. As you can see, it's not difficult to use. Since my lice were at the housewarming stage, one treatment was enough.

We chose carefully, one of the most important conditions being that the product be suitable for use on our daughter, who is not yet two years old. Only one cream met this requirement: NIX. It turns out it's the only approved treatment for head lice in Russia, and it can be used on children aged six months and older. We bought it, came home, and began treatment. We followed the instructions strictly: we washed our hair with shampoo, applied the cream to our hair and scalp, and rinsed it off after 10 minutes (I later read reviews recommending leaving it on longer, but when it comes to medications, I always follow the instructions precisely). According to the product's description, the lice were supposed to be paralyzed. Imagine our surprise when, while combing them out, we discovered live, viable, and I would even say, cheerful lice! The product went in the trash, and we headed back to the pharmacy. The only plus is a special plastic comb with fine teeth for combing out lice and nits; that's all they left.

When choosing a shampoo for head lice treatment, consult a doctor first. But if this isn't possible, choose the most effective one that's safe for you.