dimethicone

Dimethicone, also known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), is a silicone-based polymer widely used in medical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. In the treatment of head lice, it acts as a physical pediculicide by forming a film that coats the lice and their eggs, leading to death through suffocation and disruption of water management. Unlike traditional neurotoxic pesticides, dimethicone's physical mode of action prevents the development of chemical resistance. It is also utilized as a topical emollient and skin protectant to treat scaling in conditions like psoriasis capitis and as an anti-foaming agent in gastrointestinal preparations to improve visualization during endoscopy or to relieve symptoms of flatulence.

Brand names

NYDALiceMDLoion

Other names

dimeticonepolydimethylsiloxanePDMSdimethylsiloxanedimethylpolysiloxane二甲硅油