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Suggest Treatment To Remove Ticks From Scalp
Question: I found a small tick in my hair and was able to pull it out. My head is still very itchy. If i buy lice shampoo will this kill any other ticks that may be in my scalp? I understand you need to pull them out carefully with tweezers but in case i am missing one because like i said the one i found was very small, will the lice shampoo do the trick?
Brief Answer:
Permethrin or ivermectin can be used.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum.
I can understand your concern for the tick found in your scalp and accordingly the best treatment for the same.
Medically both lice and ticks belong to the same group of organism and are arthropods. So because of same group of organism, the medications for lice is also effective for ticks too. In my patients with your kind of condition I prefer to use Permethrin 5% lotion or Ivermectin lotion.
If I use Permethrin lotion then guide my patients to apply it overnight and wash it next day.
In case if I suggest Ivermectin lotion then 1-2 hour application is sufficient.
I also guide that the dead organism or nits (the eggs) can be picked individually or can be combed out with a fine comb.
A precaution to be followed is that for both Permethrin and ivermectin should not be applied near or around eyes to prevent irritation to eyes.
A single application is sufficient in most of cases. If at all any tick is observed then a repeat application can be done after 7 days.
I hope these information will help you. Do let em know if you have any further queries.
With good health wishes and regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD- Dermatology
Permethrin or ivermectin can be used.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum.
I can understand your concern for the tick found in your scalp and accordingly the best treatment for the same.
Medically both lice and ticks belong to the same group of organism and are arthropods. So because of same group of organism, the medications for lice is also effective for ticks too. In my patients with your kind of condition I prefer to use Permethrin 5% lotion or Ivermectin lotion.
If I use Permethrin lotion then guide my patients to apply it overnight and wash it next day.
In case if I suggest Ivermectin lotion then 1-2 hour application is sufficient.
I also guide that the dead organism or nits (the eggs) can be picked individually or can be combed out with a fine comb.
A precaution to be followed is that for both Permethrin and ivermectin should not be applied near or around eyes to prevent irritation to eyes.
A single application is sufficient in most of cases. If at all any tick is observed then a repeat application can be done after 7 days.
I hope these information will help you. Do let em know if you have any further queries.
With good health wishes and regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD- Dermatology
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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