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Is it Safe to Use Alcohol to Treat Head Lice?
- What Is Rubbing Alcohol?
- Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Lice?
- What Are The Dangers Associated With Using Rubbing Alcohol To Kill Lice?
What Is Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit usually contains isopropyl alcohol and, in a few cases, ethanol. According to the CDC guidelines, FDA has not cleared any disinfectants with alcohol as the main ingredient (1). However, rubbing alcohol is popularly used as a surface disinfectant due to its antimicrobial properties.
So, here’s the most important question does it help in killing lice? Find out in the next section.
Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Lice?
Yes, to some extent. It also depends on the type of alcohol you use. Anecdotal evidence suggests that rubbing alcohol (with either isopropanol or ethanol) helps in controlling lice infestation, while there is scientific data supporting the use of benzyl alcohol to kill lice.
The most effective and safe alcohol to treat a lice infestation is benzyl alcohol. 5% benzyl alcohol lotion has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of head lice (2). This non-neurotoxic topical head lice treatment is safe for children as young as 6 months old (470.2009.01059.x' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >3). The alcohol kills lice through asphyxiation by closing the respiratory spiracles of the louse (4). Thus, it is effective in killing lice but not the nits or lice eggs. A second treatment with benzyl alcohol after a week can kill any newly hatched lice. In rare cases, benzyl alcohol can be mildly irritating. Consult a doctor if such irritation occurs.
Isopropyl alcohol or isopropanol is a transparent, volatile, colorless liquid used as a solvent and disinfectant. It is applied topically as an antiseptic and is effective at 70-90% strength. It is widely believed that this alcohol dissolves the outer cell membranes of the louse. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism and efficacy of using isopropyl for killing lice.
Ethanol is used as a disinfectant, solvent, and preservative due to its antimicrobial properties. It is speculated that ethanol alcohol kills germs by denaturing the cellular proteins and dissolving the lipid membranes of the microorganisms. However, it is recommended that you never apply alcohol directly to the scalp.
So, we have learned that different alcohols can be used to treat lice. Keep reading if you want to know the risks associated with using them.
Conclusion
Rubbing alcohol with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol can kill lice to some extent. Shampoos or solutions with 5% benzyl alcohol are approved by the FDA for treating lice. They are a safer alternative to harsh pesticides. However, these alcohols also come with certain risks. They can cause allergic reactions, scalp dehydration, and even chemical burns. Thus, it is recommended to use them with caution.