What Is Dimethicone Treatment?
Scientists know dimethicone by its molecular name: polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Dimethicone classifies as a silicone polymer compound with transparent, colorless and viscous characteristics. The cosmetic industry includes dimethicone in creams and ointments for the purpose of soothing and moisturizing skin. Other industries utilize dimethicone for purposes such as anti-foaming, anti-caking and thickening. Treatments using dimethicone aid in clearing rashes, skin dryness and removal of head lice.
-
Moisturizing Treatment
-
Dimethicone holds emollient properties, meaning the compound moisturizes skin. When a user applies it to the skin, dimethicone forms a layer that seals the skin's natural moisture in and protects the skin from moisture loss.
Rash Treatment
-
The same sealing properties that make dimethicone useful as a moisturizing treatment also suit the polymer for treatment of rashes. Irritants causing the rash are blocked from skin contact by the dimethicone barrier. Moreover, dimethicone aids in the healing of rashes through the blocking of moisture loss.
-
Head Lice Treatment Application
-
New to the market, companies sell specially-formulated dimethicone gel to treat human head lice. Lice treatment containing dimethicone operates by smoothing and slicking the hair surface, allowing a comb to remove lice and nits easily. Dimethicone does not kill lice or nits.
Head Lice Treatment Significance
-
Dimethicone gel treatment utlilizes no pesticides, unlike many lice treatments currently available. Thus, dimethicone lice treatment poses no risk of pesticide exposure to humans and no application limits. Parents particularly enjoy this new product for use on children sensitive to chemicals.
Treatment Drawbacks
-
According to Dr. Sears, dimethicone lice treatment is non-irritating and hypoallergenic. However, Skin Deep lists the compound as potentially hazardous, and WebMD describes potential irritations as a result of its use. People allergic to silicone materials or sensitive to synthetic polymers should avoid this treatment. Some natural oils posses similar emollient and lubricating properties and may cost less than dimethicone head lice treatment.
-
References
- Photo Credit hair image by Dubravko Grakalic from Fotolia.com
