There are quite a few over-the-counter products that claim to kill lice or their eggs (nits). The over-the-counter hair products that have been around the longest and are recommended to treat head lice and pubic lice are:¹

• Permethrin creme rinse 1% (such as Kwellada-P, Nix), which is a common first choice for treating head lice. It kills lice and their eggs for 2 weeks or more after it has been rinsed off.
• Permethrin cream or lotion 5% (such as Kwellada-P, Nix), which is a cream that is applied to the skin or scalp, left on for 8 to 14 hours, and then rinsed off.
• Shampoos containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide (such as Pronto Lice Killing shampoo, R & C Shampoo), which are left on the hair for 10 minutes and then rinsed out. A second treatment is needed 9 days after the first to kill newly hatched lice.

These medicines contain chemicals that kill lice. Be sure to follow the directions about proper use and safety.

Itching may continue for 7 to 10 days after successful treatment with one of these medicines. Do not reapply the medicated shampoo or lotion during this time. You may want to try an over-the-counter cortisone cream to relieve the itching. Hydrocortisone cream should not be used for longer than 7 days without talking with your doctor. Note: Do not use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use in the rectal or vaginal area of children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to.

A variety of other products say that they treat or prevent lice in a nontoxic way. But more study is needed to find out how well they work or how safe they are. Some of these products are homeopathic or contain essential oils. Some products say they smother (suffocate) lice. Others use hot air or another way to kill lice. Some of the active ingredients you may see are:

• Dimethicone.
• Sodium chloride.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about the safe use of over-the-counter lice products or if you want to know how well a product might work.