Lice Health Center

According to the National Library of Medicine, lotions and shampoos containing 1% permethrin (Nix) work well to treat head lice at home. These medicines can be purchased at a store without a prescription. If this method does not work, a doctor can give you a prescription for stronger medicine. Always use the medicines exactly as directed because using them too often or incorrectly can cause side effects.

Always remember to wash all clothes and bed sheets with hot water and detergent when treating head lice. This process will also help prevent any head lice from spreading to other people during the short time they can survive away from the human body. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure if a person sharing bedding or clothes with an infested person will need to be treated as well.