Possible treatments include: combing the hair frequently with a fine tooth comb or shaving the head completely. A number of topical medications are also effective, including malathion, ivermectin, and dimeticone.[7] Dimeticone, which is a silicone oil, is often preferred due to the low risk of side effects.[7] Pyrethroids such as permethrin have been commonly used; however, have become less effective due to increasing pesticide resistance.[7] There is little evidence for alternative medicines.[9]