What is a common treatment for lice?

Topical permethrin is widely recognized as a first-line treatment for lice infestations. It is a synthetic insecticide derived from pyrethrin, which is a naturally occurring compound extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. Permethrin works by disrupting the nervous system of lice, leading to their paralysis and eventual death. This effectiveness, combined with its ease of use as a topical agent, makes permethrin a common choice for treating head lice.

The application typically involves treating the affected area and allowing the medication to remain for a period before rinsing it off. It is generally safe for children over the age of two months and is well-tolerated with minimal side effects, primarily localized irritation.

Other options do not address lice directly; for example, oral amoxicillin is an antibiotic that targets bacterial infections rather than parasitic infestations. Topical clindamycin, while effective against certain skin infections, does not have efficacy against lice. Topical azoles primarily target fungal infections and do not have any action against lice either.