Can a Head Lice Treatment Kill Scabies?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between six and twelve million people are infested with head lice each year. Infections are most common among children from three to ten years of age, and girls are at higher risk of infestation than boys. The number of reported infestations is less for African Americans than other ethnic groups. However, the condition can affect people of all socioeconomic classes.

In addition to using a head lice treatment, it is also possible to kill eggs and nits using a fine-tooth comb. However, these products can be very difficult to remove from the hair. It is recommended to use manual removal methods for children younger than two.

Despite these risks, using a permethrin-based treatment is the standard therapy for treating scabies. This topical solution is safe and effective. It contains the active ingredient permethrin, which kills both the mites and their eggs. This type of scabicide is applied to the affected area, including the head and neck. It is applied to the affected areas after a bath, and should be left on for eight to fourteen hours. Reapplication is necessary only if new lesions are discovered after treatment.

The use of topical treatments has proven to be effective in treating scabies and head lice. Ivermectin-based solutions can be effective for controlling infestations and are also more effective than lindane. However, these treatments do not kill viable eggs in the hair shafts.