Treating Head Lice With Sniper (Dichlorvos) Insecticide Is Dangerous

Lice is an insect pest that lives on the scalp of the head. Treatment is the use of shampoo or medicated pesticides like permethrin. Unfortunately, many people especially in Nigeria rely on unproven methods such as the use of dichlorvos containing insecticide such as sniper insecticide.

Sniper insecticide

Sniper insecticide contains dichlorvos which is an organophosphate. It is a very effective pesticide. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase at the cholinergic junction of the nervous system of pests. This leads to the death of the pest.

Read Also: First aid for sniper insecticide poisoning

Sniper insecticide is also dangerous to humans. Affected persons often suffer from genotoxic, neurological, reproductive, carcinogenic, immunological, hepatic, renal, respiratory, metabolic, dermal and other systemic effects. In severe cases, it can lead to death.

Dichlorvos toxicity is severe in people with reduced pulmonary function, convulsive disorders, recent exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors and alcohol use. High temperature and exposure of the dichlorvos to visible or ultravisible (UV) light enhances its toxicity by producing irritating gases such as phosphorus and chlorine oxide.

Because of its toxic nature, many countries ban the use of dichlorvos containing insecticide. Others place in on restricted ban which can be use in certain occasions. Some countries just don't use it because of enlightenment and fear of the products. But that is not the case in Nigeria. It is used indiscriminately.

Route Of Contamination From Sniper (Dichlorvos) Insecticide

The two major ways humans get poison is through ingestion of concentrated or diluted solutions (suicide attempt) or inhalation during use on pest. It has a dose dependent effect. It is rapidly absorbed and eliminated. Hence, symptoms manifest early as well as recovery.

When the liquid gets spilled on the body, the quantity is not usually much to call for concern. It mostly happens to the hands when mixing it with other liquids before use. Simple washing of the hands or taking a bath after solving it. Rarely hear of poisoning from dichlorvos containing insecticide through spilling in the body. But recently, it is now the order of the day where humans apply sniper insecticide on the scalp of the head to kill lice. A couple of deaths have been recorded in Nigeria from this act. How does it happen?

Mechanism Of Dichlorvos Poisoning

When dichlorvos containing insecticide such as a sniper is ingested deliberately or by mistake, it rapidly metabolised with effect manifesting almost immediately. It can take up to 7-62 hours for effect to manifest when the sniper is inhaled. Dichlorvos is mildly irritating to the skin. Contact with skin or hair scalp start with a burning sensation or actual burning of the skin. If not washed immediately, it gets absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Once it gets to the bloodstream, symptoms begin to manifest.

Symptoms

The initial symptoms differ depending on the source of absorption.

Skin

1. Localised sweating

2. Involuntary muscle contraction

Inhalation

Application of the insecticide onto the scalp can cause vapour that can be inhaled. Symptoms include respiratory distress such as;

1. Bloody and runny nose

2. Coughing

3. Chest discomfort

4. Difficulty or short breath

5. Wheezing due to constriction or excess fluid in the bronchial tube

Eye

Also, the eye is also exposed to the vapor or even the actual liquid itself spilling in it. It can lead to;

1. Eye pain

2. Bleeding tears

3. Pupil constriction

4. Blurred vision

Read Also: What should be inside a first aid box

Prevention

Always wash hands after using sniper insecticide. Also, wash other affected body parts immediately. Never use organic solvents to wash it off. To treat head or body lice, visit your nearest community pharmacy or hospital for advice.

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