According to the Mayo Clinic, head lice are the second most common problem afflicting schoolchildren after the common cold. While the Centers for Disease Control does not track the number of lice infestations, schools and lice product manufacturers estimate that there are anywhere between 12 and 25 million infestations in the U.S. per year, and the majority of these are school-age children. Use of over-the-counter medicated shampoos can be daunting for parents or adults who fear exposing such a vulnerable area to a product that's essentially a pesticide. And certainly the misuse or reapplication of traditional lice-killing treatments can cause serious side-effects, such as severe burning of the skin. Many nontraditional head lice treatments contain dimethicone as a key ingredient and purport to be a safer option, especially for the younger population. But do products containing dimethicone really kill lice?
What Is Dimethicone?
Quite simply, dimethicone is an ingredient found in nontraditional head lice treatments such as LiceMD. But it's most commonly used as an emollient in numerous cosmetic products used to moisturize dry skin and assuage symptoms of minor skin irritations, including lotions, creams and other topical moisturizers that can be found at any drugstore. Dimethicone is a key ingredient in products such as Aveeno Moisturizing Lotion and Johnson's Baby Cream. It is the primary ingredient in LiceMD.
- Quite simply, dimethicone is an ingredient found in nontraditional head lice treatments such as LiceMD.
Dimethicone Treatments vs. Traditional Treatments
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Head lice are typically treated using medicated shampoos that work akin to pesticides by killing lice and their eggs. Common over-the-counter brands include Rid and Nix, but if an infestation is particularly stubborn, physicians may prescribe topical medications containing malathion, lindane or benzyl alcohol lotion. While Nix should not be used in infants under 2 months of age, Rid can be used in children of all ages. When used appropriately according to directions, these should pose no health hazards. Products containing dimethicone are not considered pesticides.
- Head lice are typically treated using medicated shampoos that work akin to pesticides by killing lice and their eggs.
- Common over-the-counter brands include Rid and Nix, but if an infestation is particularly stubborn, physicians may prescribe topical medications containing malathion, lindane or benzyl alcohol lotion.
How Do Dimethicone Products Work?
Unlike over-the-counter topical medications such as Rid and Nix which eliminate head lice by killing the lice and nits, products containing dimethicone purport to "smother" lice to death. According to the manufacturer of LiceMD, dimethicone treatments are pesticide-free and provide an "effortless" removal of lice and nits using a fine-toothed comb. The benefits of products such as LiceMD are primarily in its "pain free" properties, particularly for people with long, curly hair or hair that tangles easily.
Dimethicone Side Effects
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Any medication can cause side effects, but most people don't have a reaction to dimethicone 3. Those who do may experience mild itching, burning or stinging on their skin.
Does Dimethicone Treatment Really Work?
Parents of children with head lice may resort to desperate measures to protect their child from harsh treatments, turning to homeopathic remedies instead. This is also an appealing option for adults who fear a negative reaction to pesticide treatments. But dimethicone products don't kill lice or their eggs; they simply make it easier to manually remove lice and nits by lubricating the hair shaft. According to W. Steven Pray, Ph.D., D.Ph., of the College of Pharmacy Southwestern Oklahoma State University, products that contain dimethicone should be avoided, as they have not been proven safe or effective for treating head lice. Pray also advises against using other homeopathic remedies that use salt, herbs or essential oils.
- Parents of children with head lice may resort to desperate measures to protect their child from harsh treatments, turning to homeopathic remedies instead.
- of the College of Pharmacy Southwestern Oklahoma State University, products that contain dimethicone should be avoided, as they have not been proven safe or effective for treating head lice.
Related Articles
References
- 1. Head Lice.Org: Article
- 2. Pharmacist's Blog: Homeopathic Lice Cures
- 3. Drugs.Com: Dimethicone Side-Effects
- InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Head lice: Overview. 2008 Mar 5 [Updated 2018 Dec 13].Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279329/
- Rassami W, Soonwera M. Epidemiology of pediculosis capitis among schoolchildren in the eastern area of Bangkok, Thailand. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2012;2(11):901–904. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60250-0
- van der Wouden JC, Klootwijk T, Le Cleach L, et al. Interventions for treating head lice. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(5):CD009321. Published 2018 May 22. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009321.pub2
- Bin Saif GA, Ericson ME, Yosipovitch G. The itchy scalp--scratching for an explanation. Exp Dermatol. 2011;20(12):959–968. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0625.2011.01389.x
- Head lice infestations: A clinical update. Paediatr Child Health. 2004;9(9):647–657. doi:10.1093/pch/9.9.647
- Izri A, Chosidow O. Efficacy of machine laundering to eradicate head lice: recommendations to decontaminate washable clothes, linens, and fomites. Clin Infect Dis. 2006;42(2):e9–e10. doi:10.1086/499105
- Değerli S, Malatyalı E, Mumcuoğlu KY. Head lice prevalence and associated factors in two boarding schools in Sivas. Turkiye Parazitol Derg. 2013;37(1):32–35. doi:10.5152/tpd.2013.08
- Greive KA, Barnes TM. In vitro comparison of four treatments which discourage infestation by head lice. Parasitol Res. 2012;110(5):1695–1699. doi:10.1007/s00436-011-2687-7
- Devore CD, Schutze GE. Head lice. Pediatrics. 2015;135(5):e1355-65.
- Devore CD, Schutze GE; Council on School Health and Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics. Head lice. Pediatrics. 2015 May;135(5):e1355-65. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-0746
Writer Bio
Lisa Sefcik has been writing professionally since 1987. Her subject matter includes pet care, travel, consumer reviews, classical music and entertainment. She's worked as a policy analyst, news reporter and freelance writer/columnist for Cox Publications and numerous national print publications. Sefcik holds a paralegal certification as well as degrees in journalism and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.