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

Posted on Thu, 18 Apr 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 Answered on

Mon, 6 May 2013 Last reviewed on

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.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar