Full Marks Lotion: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Full Marks Lotion is an odourless, toxin-free solution containing cyclomethicone and isopropyl myristate, used to treat head lice and their eggs in adults and children aged 2 years and over. It works by physical action, coating and dehydrating lice rather than using traditional pesticides, and is applied for just 5 minutes before combing. It is not suitable for children under 2 years old without medical or pharmacist advice.

What is Full Marks Lotion

Full Marks Solution is an odourless, toxin-free, 5-minute treatment that has been clinically proven to eliminate head lice and eradicate eggs. It contains two active ingredients, cyclomethicone and isopropyl myristate, and works by physical action rather than traditional pesticides.

Full Marks Lotion uses

• Treatment of head lice and their eggs in adults and children aged 2 years and over

Benefits of Full Marks Lotion

• Helps eliminate head lice infestations.
• Helps remove dead lice and eggs (nits) when used with a fine-toothed removal comb.
• Works without traditional neurotoxic insecticides, reducing concerns about insecticide resistance.
• Provides a short-contact treatment compared with some other head-lice products.
• Can be used in adults and children aged 2 years and over, according to current UK product guidance.

How Full Marks Lotion works

The active ingredients coat the surface of the lice, causing them to dehydrate and die. This also helps loosen eggs from the hair so they can be removed with the comb. Because it works physically rather than chemically, resistance to the treatment is very unlikely.

Full Marks Lotion dosage

This product is for external use only, to treat head lice affecting the scalp, and is suitable for children aged 2 years and older, adults, and the elderly. Comb through dry hair first to remove tangles, then shake the bottle well before use.

Apply to dry hair, close to the roots, making sure the whole scalp and hair are covered, and massage the solution into the scalp and hair. After the recommended time, use the fine metal-toothed comb to comb through the hair and remove dead lice and eggs. Wash out using a normal, non-conditioning shampoo; you may need to shampoo more than once to fully remove the solution. Conditioner is not necessary for rinsing out, although using plenty of conditioner can help soften hair for combing.

Repeat the full treatment after 7 days, and again after 14 days if lice or eggs are still present. If the product gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and seek medical advice if irritation continues. If it gets on skin other than the scalp, wash with warm water.

Available forms and strengths

• Solution/lotion

Side effects of Full Marks Lotion

Common

• Mild scalp or skin irritation
• Redness or itching
• Mild tingling or discomfort
• Eye irritation if the lotion accidentally gets into the eyes
• Temporary greasy or oily feeling in the hair

Serious

• Severe or persistent skin irritation
• Significant rash or swelling
• Hypersensitivity or allergic reaction
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing

Warnings and precautions

• This product is for external use only and is not suitable for children under 2 years old.
• This is an oily solution, so care should be taken to avoid surfaces such as floors or baths becoming slippery.
• Avoid getting the solution on clothes or upholstery as it can cause staining.
• Do not smoke or go near naked flames when using this product, as it may be flammable and there is a severe risk of burns.
• Do not use this product if you have a hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the active ingredients.
• If you are being treated for an existing skin or scalp condition, check with your GP or pharmacist before use.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you are pregnant. Current UK guidance suggests wet combing is the preferred method of head lice removal for pregnant women. 
• Some sources advise this product should not be used during pregnancy without consulting a medical professional first.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you are breastfeeding.
• No specific kidney-related precautions or dose adjustments are normally required with topical use.
• No specific liver-related precautions or dose adjustments are normally required.
• No known interaction with drinking alcohol.
• Not expected to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Storage

• Store below 25°C (77°F) or as directed on the product label.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat.
• Protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed in its original packaging.
• Keep away from flames, cigarettes, and other ignition sources.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.

When to see a doctor

• If you get skin irritation, wash the product out of the hair thoroughly with shampoo and speak to a pharmacist about other treatment options.
• If you experience any sensitivity or reaction, stop using the product straight away and seek medical advice.
• If the product gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and seek medical advice if irritation continues.

Alternatives

• Fine-Toothed Head-Lice Comb
• Malathion Lotion
• Permethrin Lotion
• Hedrin 4% Lotion