Para Plus Spray
A comprehensive guide to Para Plus spray, a powerful topical treatment with a triple formula for the immediate elimination of head lice and their eggs (nits).
Quick Facts
Definition and Uses
Para Plus is a pressurized aerosol spray designed as a powerful and effective treatment to eliminate head lice and their eggs (nits). It features a triple-action formula that combines two insecticides, Malathion and Permethrin, with Piperonyl butoxide, which enhances their effectiveness. This combination ensures that lice and nits are killed quickly within just 10 minutes, making it a rapid solution to the troublesome problem of lice infestation.
- Immediate elimination of live lice and nits (eggs).
- Treatment of head lice infestation in adults and children over two years of age.
- Can be used to disinfect personal items that may cause re-infestation, such as clothing, hats, and combs.
How to Use and Dosage
For maximum efficacy and safety, the application method must be followed very precisely. It is essential to apply the spray in a well-ventilated area and away from any flame source due to the product’s flammable nature. Correct use ensures complete eradication of the infestation from the first application.
- Spray on completely dry hair from a distance of about 3 cm, ensuring full coverage of hair and scalp.
- Leave the product on the hair for just 10 minutes to take effect. Do not cover the head or use a hairdryer.
- After 10 minutes, rinse the hair well with water and then wash with regular shampoo.
- Comb the hair with a fine-toothed lice comb to remove dead lice and nits.
- Very Important: The treatment must be repeated again after 7 to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice.
Side Effects
When used according to the instructions, Para Plus is considered safe. Most side effects, if they occur, are local and mild. It is essential to perform a patch test on a small area of the scalp before full application to avoid any unwanted reactions.
- May cause temporary irritation, itching, or redness of the scalp.
- Irritation of the eyes and nose if the mist is inhaled or comes into contact with mucous membranes.
- In case of severe irritation, rinse the hair immediately with water and stop using the product.
Warnings and Precautions
Para Plus contains active ingredients that require careful handling to ensure safety. All warnings provided with the product must be read and followed before use to avoid any potential risks.
- Flammable: Do not use the product near any flame, heat source, or while smoking.
- Asthma: Not to be used by people with asthma (neither the patient nor the person applying the treatment) as the mist may trigger an asthma attack.
- Do not use on children under 24 months (2 years) of age.
- Must be used in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling the mist.
- Eyes, nose, and mouth should be protected with a towel during application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should the treatment be repeated after 7 to 10 days?
Although Para Plus is effective against lice and their eggs, it is possible for a few lice eggs (nits) to survive the first treatment. These eggs typically hatch within 7 to 10 days. Repeating the treatment during this period ensures that any newly hatched lice are killed before they reach maturity and start laying new eggs.
This step is crucial and essential to completely break the lice life cycle and prevent the infestation from returning. Neglecting the second treatment is one of the main reasons for lice treatment failure. Therefore, always adhere to repeating the treatment on schedule.
Why can’t asthma patients use this spray?
Para Plus comes in a pressurized aerosol form, which means it releases a fine mist into the air when used. This mist can be easily inhaled, which can be a risk for people with asthma or respiratory sensitivities. The inhaled particles can irritate sensitive airways and trigger an asthma attack.
This warning applies to both the person receiving the treatment and the person applying it. For their safety, asthma patients should choose lice treatments that come in other forms, such as shampoos or lotions, which do not produce an inhalable mist.
Can I use a hairdryer after applying the product?
No, you should not use a hairdryer at all while the product is on the hair. The first and most important reason is safety, as the spray contains flammable materials, and using a heat-emitting hairdryer could pose a serious fire risk. The hair should be kept away from any source of flame or heat.
The second reason is that heat may quickly evaporate the active ingredients and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. The instructions are clear that the hair should be left to air dry for 10 minutes to ensure the product works at its maximum potential.
How do I perform a sensitivity test before use?
Before applying the spray to the entire scalp, it is wise to perform a simple sensitivity test. Spray a small amount of the product on a small, inconspicuous area of the scalp, such as the area behind the ear. Leave the product for 10 minutes as specified in the instructions.
Afterward, rinse the area and observe it for 24 hours. If no redness, severe itching, irritation, or any other allergic reaction appears, the product can be considered safe to use on the entire head. If any reaction occurs, do not use the product and wash the hair immediately.
Is Para Plus safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Para Plus contains insecticides (permethrin and malathion), small amounts of which are absorbed through the skin. Although the risk to the fetus or infant is considered low when used correctly, there are not enough studies to confirm its absolute safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Therefore, as a precaution, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using this product. The doctor may recommend alternative non-chemical methods like intensive wet combing, or may decide that the benefit of using the treatment outweighs the potential risk.
Can I use the product on clothes and personal items?
Yes, Para Plus spray can be used to disinfect items that cannot be easily washed in hot water. To prevent re-infestation, you can spray the product on things like hats, scarves, coat collars, and fabric car seats. The spray should be applied from a distance of about 20 cm.
However, the most effective method for disinfecting items remains washing them in hot water (above 60°C) and drying them on high heat if possible. For items that cannot be washed, they can also be placed in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
What should I do if my child accidentally swallows the product?
Swallowing this product is dangerous and should be treated as a medical emergency. The product contains insecticides that can be toxic if ingested. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.
You should contact your local poison control center or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Take the product container with you so the medical team can know which active ingredients were swallowed. Prevention is always better than cure, so always keep the product out of reach of children.
Is one application of the spray enough?
No, a single treatment is usually not sufficient to ensure complete eradication of the infestation. The first dose kills live lice and most nits, but some eggs may survive. These eggs will hatch after several days, and if not treated, the new lice will grow and start to reproduce again, leading to a return of the infestation.
Therefore, the second dose after 7 to 10 days is an integral part of the treatment and is not optional. This second dose ensures that any newly hatched lice are killed before they have a chance to lay new eggs, thus effectively breaking the lice life cycle.
How many people is one can enough for?
The amount required depends on the length and thickness of the hair. According to the instructions, one can of Para Plus (90 g size) is usually sufficient to treat 3 to 4 people with medium-length and thickness hair. For very long or very thick hair, you may need a larger amount.
It is important to ensure the hair and scalp are completely saturated with the product to achieve maximum effectiveness. If you are treating several family members, especially if they have long hair, you may need to purchase more than one can to ensure there is enough for both doses (the first and second).
Can lice become resistant to Para Plus?
Yes, lice resistance to insecticides like permethrin and malathion is a known and growing problem in many parts of the world. If you have used the product exactly according to the instructions (including the second dose) and still find live lice after treatment, this could be a sign of resistant lice.
In this case, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend a product with a different active ingredient that works by a different mechanism, or they might suggest other treatments such as products that work by physically suffocating the lice (like those containing dimethicone), against which lice do not develop resistance.
Disclaimer and Information Sources
- Purpose of Content: The information provided in this guide is for awareness and knowledge purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this or any other medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
- Source of Information: This content has been prepared based on official, documented medical sources appropriate for the topic (such as official drug leaflets, health ministry guidelines, FDA directives, or specialized medical organizations).
- Publication Date | Last Updated: [October 2025]
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Dr. Ahmad Baker, PharmD
Senior Pharmacist & Health Educator
With over 23 years of clinical experience in hospital and community pharmacy across Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ahmad specializes in reproductive health and pharmaceutical safety. He is dedicated to providing evidence-based guidance to empower patients in the MENA region.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and reflects the latest pharmaceutical protocols. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Always consult Dr. Ahmad Baker or your healthcare provider before starting any treatment.