Used Kerosene To Treat Lice. Now Skin Started Burning. How To Get Relief?

Posted on Mon, 6 May 2013

Question: I have lice my mom recommend kerosene. ...now my skin is burning. How do I calm the burning?!

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (1 hour later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing to us.

Kerosene is absolutely not indicated in the treatment of lice. There are a variety of solutions available as shampoos to neatly get rid of the lice in two or three applications.

Kerosene causes contact dermatitis. You should first wash the parts with clean water to flush out the irritant. You need to apply calamine lotion or zinc oxide cream or cool colloidal oatmeal bath and cold compresses for 30 minutes three times a day if blistering develops. Oral antihistamines and hydrocortisone cream may be needed if itching develops. Avoid scratching the area as secondary infection may develop.

See a dermatologist if you do not find relief within a couple of days.

Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to contact if you need further clarifications. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

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