Lindane (Kwell) is primarily used to treat which conditions?

• A. Lice (with shampoo) and scabies (with lotion)
• B. Bacterial skin infections
• C. Fungal infections
• D. Viral skin infections

Answer: (A)

Lindane is an antiparasitic medication used specifically to kill ectoparasites such as lice and scabies. It comes in a shampoo form for treating head lice and a lotion form for scabies, which are caused by infestations of lice and the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, respectively. Its action targets the parasites’ nervous system, leading to paralysis and death, rather than treating bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Therefore, it is not used for bacterial skin infections (which require antibiotics), fungal infections (antifungals), or viral infections (antivirals).