Head lice, scabies and worm infections are common and treatable. This page brings together our guides on lice, parasites and the antiparasitic medicine ivermectin.
Our lice and parasites guides
- Head lice treatment: over-the-counter options that work
- Ivermectin: what it’s used for, how it’s taken and what it doesn’t treat
- Ivermectin side effects, interactions and overdose warning signs
- Scabies: symptoms, treatment and how to stop it spreading
- Pinworms in children and adults: symptoms, treatment and prevention
- Ivermectin cream for rosacea
- Scabies vs bed bugs vs eczema vs hives: how to tell
- Pyrantel for pinworms: dose, how to use it and treating the whole family
- Permethrin 1% for head lice: how to use it and what to do if it fails
Key points
- Head lice can usually be treated at home with an over-the-counter lotion and a lice comb.
- Ivermectin tablets need a diagnosis and a prescription. The dose depends on the infection and your body weight.
- Never take ivermectin products made for animals.
See a doctor if
You think you have a worm infection or scabies, lice keep coming back after two different treatments, or the skin looks infected.
Information on this page is general and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.