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Head lice - Management
Basis for recommendation
Treatments recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Wet combing might be preferred by some women as it does not involve any chemical treatment other than conditioner.
- However, dimeticone has a well-established safety profile in cosmetics, and is licensed for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding [MHRA, 2005].
- Both treatments are viable options, and remove the small potential risk of exposing the fetus or infant to a traditional insecticide.
- However, if a traditional insecticide is thought to be necessary during pregnancy, the National Teratology Information Service (NTIS) currently recommends malathion, because it is poorly absorbed and rapidly eliminated (telephone 0191 232 1525 for further information) [NTIS, 2008]. The manufacturer also states that malathion is not known to be harmful when used during breastfeeding [ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2008].
Treatments not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Isopropyl myristate and cyclomethicone (Full Marks® solution) and coconut, anise, and ylang ylang spray (Lyclear SprayAway®) are not recommended for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data [ABPI Medicines Compendium, 2009; Chefaro UK Ltd, 2009].
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