Are The Chemicals In Lice Removal Remedies Dangerous To the Body?

Discovering lice in you or your child’s hair is never a pleasant surprise. A small case of head lice can become quite the ordeal, so many people are willing to go to great lengths to have the critters removed. Some of the popular home remedies for lice include trying to suffocate the lice with peanut butter or mayonnaise, but these methods are far from effective. A lot of parents opt for chemical solutions, hoping for a quick and easy fix, but many of these products can be harmful to the body and the environment. If you are considering using a chemical treatment, it’s important to know the effects that they can have. Here are a few examples of popular chemical lice treatments and the effects that they have on the body.

Lindane lice shampoo

One of the most popular at-home remedies is a Lindane lice shampoo. Despite sounding like a harmless and efficient remedy, most professionals categorize this treatment as extremely 

dangerous. This second-line treatment is banned in 52 countries, and for good reason. The shampoo contains a neurotoxin that is absorbed through the skin of the lice, effectively killing the parasite. Great, right? Not exactly. The same neurotoxin that is used to kill the head lice can also be absorbed through your own skin which can result in some serious health issues. It can cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver, and more. This chemical has only been banned in the USA for agricultural purposes, yet it is still used on the heads of small children. As if all of this wasn’t bad enough, the bottle does not come with any warning labels, and the overall effectiveness of the shampoo is overstated. 

Carylderm/carbaryl

One of the slightly less common chemical treatments for lice is Carylderm. Categorized as a hazardous pesticide, this treatment also bears a threat to the patient. Studies on rats have shown that this pesticide can result in cell mutation, and scientists believe that if the chemical were to be ingested by a patient, then they would likely experience similar changes. 

Stromectol

This treatment is reserved for patients with head lice infestations. This medication uses the same active ingredient that is used to kill heart works and other parasites found in dogs. Though this option doesn’t have as many serious health implications, side effects include dizziness, headaches, and diarrhea.

Permethrin

Perhaps the most common chemical treatment for head lice, Permethrin is found in most head lice treatment kits you can find at the store. These kits advertise being safe for both your hair and your furniture. The chemical targets the central nervous system of the lice paralyzes and then kills them. The bottle comes with several warnings. One warns us that if you come in contact with the chemical, then you should rinse it off immediately, and the other tells us that if the spray is inhaled, then you may lose the ability to breathe. The side effects include nausea, weakness, skin irritation, and in severe cases, seizures. 

Lice Clinics of America in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

Lice Clinics of America is a company dedicated to chemical-free lice treatment for head lice. We offer a guaranteed, same-day lice treatment. If you want to learn more about lice or our chemical-free lice treatment, contact us today or visit our lice clinic in Milwaukee.