While it’s great to see your kids have fun with their friends, there’s always a chance they catch lice from other children. The worst thing is that it may take up to six weeks for you to find out, by which time your kids have already suffered from itchiness and other symptoms.
Fortunately, lice shampoo – an over-the-counter medication – can help you treat lice at home. That said, is it the same as medicine and must be used by prescriptions?
Or, can you use lice shampoo two days in a row as well as anytime you want to?
Can you use lice shampoo two days in a row
Most lice shampoos with active ingredients must not be used multiple times in a row. Generally speaking, it may take lice shampoos a few days to take effect, so you need to wait until you can perform the next treatment.
The break between lice shampoo uses usually lasts for 9 to 10 days. When nits hatch, you can use lice shampoos again.
That said, there are lice shampoos that allow for everyday use. Therefore, the most important thing to keep in mind is always following the product’s instructions.
Lice shampoos need a few days to take effect
How To Use Lice Shampoo?
Follow this step-by-step guide to treat your condition with lice shampoo.
- Spread the product all over your dry hair and start massaging. Make sure the shampoo covers all your hair, including the hair close to the scalp, the area behind your ears, and the back of your neck.
- Rub some water on your head and work up some foam. Rinse your hair off with warm water then towel dry it.
- Part your damp hair into four sections, comb each of them at a time with a lice comb. Start from the top of your head and motion to the end of your hair. Clean the comb throughout the process with clean tissues.
- Once you’re done combing, check your head again for lice and nits. Seal the bag of discarded tissues and throw it away.
- Check your head again after seven days and repeat the treatment if you still find lice or nits.
To make sure the lice are gone, you need to check your hair regularly after washing your hair with a lice shampoo
Side effects of lice shampoo
Even with normal doses, lice shampoos can still cause side effects, the unwanted responses you may experience when using any medication.
The side effects of lice shampoos range from light to severe, temporary to permanent. It’s best to watch out for symptoms during the process, including pain, itchiness, skin redness, swelling, warmth, and discharge.
FAQs
Are lice shampoo safe for toddlers?
This depends on what ingredient your shampoo contains.
Some lice shampoos like permethrin lotion 1% are safe for children of 2 months and older.
Meanwhile, lice shampoos containing Pyrethrins can only be used for children of 2 years and older.
Is it harmful to overuse lice shampoo?
Yes, it is. While there are lice shampoo that can be used every day, overuse of the product takes a toll.
The FDA warns overusing lice shampoo can cause neurological damage. You should always read the instruction carefully before covering your child’s head with lice shampoo.
What are the side effects of lice shampoos on my hair?
Those whose hair has been dyed recently will see its color fade when using lice shampoo. However, this can only happen if you have to use it more than once.
There’s no concrete evidence linking lice shampoo and dandruff. Yet, the active ingredient in lice shampoo will likely cause scalp dryness or irritation that eventually results in dandruff.
Can you leave lice shampoo on overnight?
Not really. You need to follow the instructions for the product. For example, with permethrin 1%, you can leave it for 10 minutes only.
How long do lice live on mattresses?
Lice can survive for only 24 hours on surfaces without food, which is human blood. So, without their food source, lice will die after 1 or 2 days on mattresses.
How do I check myself for lice?
If you suspect yourself has lice, you can check by following these steps:
- Wet your hair.
- Part your hair using a fine-toothed comb and use a flashlight to shine the scalp.
- Look for brown insects moving on the scalp or nits stuck to the hair.
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