Home treatment with nonprescription medicines can usually get rid of lice. These medicines include:

• Nix (permethrin 1% creme rinse).
• Rid, Pronto, A-200, R&C, or Triple X (shampoos and gels with pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide).

If nonprescription methods are not working, a stronger medicine may be needed. Your health professional may prescribe a more concentrated (5% instead of 1% nonprescription) form of permethrin (Elimite), malathion lotion, or a shampoo containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide.

Health professionals in the United States recommend using a lotion or shampoo to kill the eggs and lice. In Britain, where lice have become resistant to medicated lotions and shampoos, one study found that using special fine-toothed combs with a conditioner helped get rid of head lice.³ You may choose to remove the eggs through combing to improve your or your child's appearance. Cleaning combs, brushes, clothing, and other objects can help prevent lice from spreading to other members of your household.