Hygiene against lice and nits - all the pros and cons of the product, rules of use

Today's insecticidal market offers a lot of options for combating blood-sucking parasites and lice, among others.

It is very easy for an inexperienced consumer to get confused in all this diversity. Many dermatologists and trichologists often recommend the universal pediculicide Hygienica.

Description, composition and release form

The drug is a viscous liquid with a yellowish tint. The product is packaged in plastic containers of 60, 100 and 120 ml, which in turn are packaged in cardboard boxes. On the latter you can see an extract from the instructions indicating the characteristics of the drug.

Hygienics can be found on sale in the form of shampoo or lotion. The active substance is 1% permethrin. It is he who plays a key role in the destruction of parasites. The remaining elements are auxiliary.

Shampoo

Composition of Hygiene for lice and nits:

• 1% permethrin;
• benzyl alcohol;
• lemon acid;
• polysorbate;
• disodium edetate;
• cocamide extract;
• sodium chloride;
• flavorings.

For reference! The manufacturer may make some changes to the set of components. To exclude possible allergic reactions due to individual intolerance, it would be useful to clarify the composition by looking at the instructions.

General information

Hygienica is a pediculicidal pharmacological drug, which is produced in the form of a viscous, pearlescent, yellowish liquid.

Composition of the drug

The main active ingredient of Hygienic is one percent permethrin. Auxiliary components include:

• benzyl alcohol;
• polysorbate;
• sodium alkyl ethoxy sulfate;
• cocamide extract;
• cocamido-propylene type betaine;
• glycerol cocoate/oleate;
• sodium chloride;
• disodium edetate;
• mint and apricot flavors;
• citric acid.

This medicine also contains filtered water and a yellow dye called “Sunset”.

Impact on the human body

The active substance of the drug belongs to the group of peritroids - insecticides of natural origin. Similar components are obtained from extracts of some plants, for example, tansy. The lice remedy Hygienica affects the nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and subsequent death of the pests.

In addition to adult individuals, the active substance destroys nits - parasite eggs. Auxiliary components break down the organic structure of the cocoon, and then permethrin begins to act, killing the larva.

As an external remedy, Hygiene is absolutely safe for humans and other warm-blooded animals. Once inside the body, all components are processed by liver enzymes, losing their toxicity. But in large doses, noticeable discomfort in the stomach is possible, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

At what age can the drug be used?

If we are talking about shampoo, then the instructions for use clearly state that the product can be used on children no younger than 5 years old. In this case, contact of the active substance with the mucous membrane of the eyes should be avoided. Another brand solution - Hygienika Plus lotion can be used from 3 years .

Application

Important! A child's skin is much more delicate than that of an adult. In addition, children’s immunity is not yet fully formed. Therefore, before using any insecticidal and medicinal preparations, you should consult your pediatrician.

Can it be used by pregnant women?

According to the instructions, Hygienica Plus and Hygienica shampoo are contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. In such cases, consultation with a specialist is necessary. He will select the optimal remedy for each individual case that can be used without harm to the health of the baby and mother.

Efficacy of the drug

Thanks to the presence of permethrin, Hygiene is quite effective and removes lice relatively quickly. Permethrin is an insecticide, an analogue of natural pyrethrin, which is a component of some plants with similar properties. When treating the hair, the poison enters the lice cells, affects some of the nits and causes paralytic reactions in the insects, which leads to their rapid death.

Contraindications and side effects

If you are individually intolerant to one of the components, an allergic reaction may develop: itching and inflammation will appear in certain areas of the scalp. In such cases, use of lotion or shampoo should be discontinued.

Possible side effects:

• chemical burns;
• the appearance of edema;
• erythema;
• skin inflammation.

For reference! Such symptoms may be a consequence of the development of pediculosis, and not the use of an antiparasitic agent. Therefore, specialist advice will be required here.

Addresses of pharmacies where you can buy products

It is recommended to choose a drug based on price. In order not to waste time searching for the chosen product, you can look at the addresses of some online pharmacies in the table.

A comb is included with the product

Directions for use and dosage

The method of using Hygienics Plus lotion and shampoo is no different from other industrial analogues. Before disinfestation, the head must be thoroughly washed with classic shampoo (without medicinal effect).

Shampoo

The bottle of product should be shaken thoroughly before use. We do not pay attention to excess foam: it will dissolve upon contact with wet hair. The air temperature in the room must be at least +20⁰С, otherwise the desired effect will not be achieved.

Mode of application:

1. Apply the product to damp hair.
2. Rub until foam appears, treating each curl.
3. We wait about half an hour.
4. Wash off the product with plenty of warm water.
5. We comb out the remaining lice and nits with the comb provided.

Lotion

Hygiene Plus has a pronounced odor, so it is advisable to carry out the procedure at night or a few hours before going outside. The bottle must also be shaken well before use.

Lotion

Mode of application:

1. Apply the product to dry hair, treating each curl.
2. We wait about 15 minutes.
3. Wash off the lotion with warm water.
4. Dry your hair.
5. We comb out dead lice and nits with a special comb.

Hygiene Plus against lice and nits will be even more effective if you cover your head with a plastic cap or wrap it well with a towel, thereby blocking the access of air to the hair.

Features of use

Before you start using the drug, you must pay attention to the fact that Hygia is used exclusively for external application.

The most objective evidence of pediculosis is the presence of itching of the scalp, detection of black excrement of parasites on bed linen and outerwear, lice and nits on the hair. If one family member is infected, everyone must be examined. If pediculosis was detected in someone else, then treatment of the scalp is carried out to everyone at the same time.

IMPORTANT! Lice, like many other parasites, are capable of developing resistance to the drugs used. Insufficient processing or its poor quality significantly increases the risk of parasites developing resistance to the active substance of Hygia.

If there is no effect, we can assume improper use of shampoo, re-infestation with lice, or the development of lice resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to follow all instructions regarding the dosage of Hygia and the length of time the product is left on the hair. You also need to pay attention to the fact that even after washing your hair, you can see live lice. This does not mean that they have developed resistance, it just takes them some time to die.

1. You need to wash your hair in warm running water with regular shampoo in advance. Do not use conditioner or combination shampoo. Preference can be given to medical shampoos with high acidity. After washing, you need to pat your hair dry with a towel so that it is slightly damp, but not wet.
2. Shake the bottle thoroughly before use. After this, you need to open the cap and apply the product to one half of your head in strips. The shampoo should be massaged slowly and thoroughly. This procedure must be continued until the entire head is covered with Hygia. It is very important that the product penetrates to the hair roots. Particular attention should be paid to the back of the head and areas near the ears. If your hair starts to dry out during application, you need to wet it.
3. After this, you need to leave the shampoo on your hair for 10-15 minutes (this time is enough for it to work), then wash thoroughly and dry your hair with a towel.
4. Using the comb, which is sold in the kit, you need to thoroughly comb your hair, eliminating parasites and their larvae. To do this, you need to divide all your hair into 4 parts and comb each strand separately. The comb should be placed closer to the roots of the hair.

After washing your hair, you need to use hairpins and secure each disinfected strand of hair. You can start combing the next curl only after thoroughly cleaning the comb. Nits can be removed from the scallop using a paper towel, which should then be carefully wrapped in a plastic bag and thrown away to prevent re-infestation. After combing is completed, you need to re-check the breaks for rot and re-use the comb if necessary. After this, you need to check your hair daily to make sure there are no parasites.

Precautionary measures

The manufacturer strongly recommends following the precautions specified in the instructions for the drug. They will help avoid unpleasant consequences and complications.

Precautionary measures:

• use the product with rubber gloves;
• do not allow liquid to penetrate into the nasopharynx and the mucous membrane of the eyes;
• cover your neck and shoulders with a towel;
• do not use the drug more than once a month;
• After the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly.

Lice removal

The procedure is carried out in the bathroom.

1. Moisturize your hair.
2. Put rubber gloves on your hands and squeeze out the required amount of shampoo. At least 1 tbsp. spoons for long hair.
3. Lather well.
4. Leave to act for 20 minutes. Children can be kept 15.
5. After the specified time, rinse thoroughly with Hygia shampoo with warm water.
6. Dry with a hairdryer, or wait until it dries naturally.

After this, begin combing out nits and dead individuals.

Advantages and disadvantages

The clear advantage of shampoos and lotions of this brand is efficiency. Hygiene does an excellent job of both treating and preventing head lice, as proven by numerous positive reviews.

Advantages of the product:

• high efficiency in the fight against adult individuals;
• convenient packaging;
• affordable cost;
• the presence of a comb included;
• lack of odor (shampoo).

Among the shortcomings, consumers note the mediocre effectiveness of the active substance in the fight against nits. The product destroys sexually mature individuals the first time, while some of the eggs remain. Therefore, re-processing is required.

Let's take a closer look at the lice. Photos of parasites and their eggs

The appearance of parasites is accompanied by itching. In addition, you can detect the insects themselves. Adults are light brown in color. Moreover, head lice are colored with a gray undertone. Body length is up to 4 mm, males are smaller (3 mm). These insects have 3 pairs of legs and 1 pair of antennae. The body shape is oval. In their normal state, the parasites are flatter; after eating, they increase several times in size (and mostly only the abdomen swells).

Larvae are smaller insects. Their body length does not exceed 1.5 mm at the initial stage of development. Parasites grow quickly. After just 2 weeks they reach the size of an adult. At this stage they become darker, and when they first emerge from the nits, the body is still transparent. Otherwise, the basic body parameters are the same as in adults.

Nits (lice eggs)

characterized by a length of 1 mm. These are oval-shaped formations, they are milky in color; as the embryo develops inside, the shade becomes darker (closer to the moment the larvae appear).

The louse leaves nits at the base of the hair. Parasites are attached using an adhesive mass. Moreover, the nit is attached only on one side, where the end is more retracted; on the other side, the egg has a hole that is closed until the young individuals appear. You can study photographs of insects, which will allow you to examine them in more detail.

pubic louse

Head louse

Female and male body lice

Types of lice - how to identify

Analogs

There are many alternative means to kill hair parasites. If you have an individual intolerance to Hygienic components, it is easy to choose an adequate analogue.

Rating of the most popular and affordable ones:

• Pediculicidal shampoo "Nix". The product is characterized by negligible toxicity for humans and warm-blooded animals. Contains a compound that is toxic to parasitic insects and paralyzes the respiratory activity of adults and larvae. Prevents drying out and excision of hair shafts. A special component of the shampoo forms a thin hydrophobic film that facilitates combing. Price – 450 rub.
• "Nude." An effective product of domestic production, produced in the form of shampoo for washing the hair and spray for quick pediculicidal treatment of the infected surface of the hair. The main active ingredient is dimethicone, which is a molecularly transformed type of liquid silicone. It has a poisonous effect on parasites and inhibits bacterial and fungal microflora. The spray contains natural beeswax, triglyceride components, and aromatic fragrances. The product is well suited for long and curly hair. Softens hair columns, strengthens follicles, protects them from re-infection and exposure to harmful environmental factors. Cost – about 500 rubles.
• D 95. Pediculicidal suspension, packaged in disposable bags of 10 ml. Supplied to pharmacies and cosmetics stores in hard cardboard packaging. Each contains 3 packages of the drug. Improves the condition of the skin, gives it firmness and elasticity. For insecticidal treatment of short hair, 1 packet is enough. D 95 is indicated for children aged 3 years and older. Effective in the treatment of advanced pediculosis. The approximate price of the package is 130 rubles.

Any of these products does an excellent job of destroying hair parasites and has a healing effect on the scalp, so it can be a suitable alternative to Hygiene.