Head louse: how to get rid of it at home? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed comb on wet, conditioner‑treated hair daily for at least a week while washing the scalp with a medicated shampoo; simultaneously wash, vacuum, and seal all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or airtight bags for 48 hours. Apply an over‑the‑counter lice treatment (e.g., permethrin 1 %) according to the label, repeat after 7–10 days, and inspect for any remaining nits.
Head louse: how to get rid of it at home? - in detail
Dealing with head‑lice infestations requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and environmental control. The following protocol addresses each component in a clear sequence.
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Identification
Examine the scalp and hair under bright light. Look for live insects about 2–3 mm long, their translucent nits attached to the hair shaft within 1 cm of the scalp, and occasional itching caused by bites. -
Immediate treatment
- Apply a pediculicide approved for over‑the‑counter use (e.g., permethrin 1 % lotion or dimethicone‑based product). Follow the label precisely: apply to dry hair, saturate the scalp, leave for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly.
- Repeat the application after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched nits that survived the first dose.
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Mechanical removal
After the chemical step, use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Work from the scalp outward, section by section, cleaning the comb with hot water after each pass. Continue combing for at least 15 minutes per session, repeating daily for a week. -
Household decontamination
- Clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours should be washed in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dried on high heat.
- Items that cannot be laundered (e.g., hats, hairbrushes) may be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or treated with a spray containing 0.5 % permethrin.
- Vacuum carpets, sofas, and car seats to remove stray insects and shed shells.
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Preventive measures
- Instruct all household members to avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, or pillowcases.
- Encourage regular scalp inspections, especially after sleepovers or group activities.
- Maintain hair in a short, manageable length for easier monitoring.
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Monitoring
Conduct visual checks every 2–3 days for two weeks. Absence of live lice and nits after the second chemical application confirms successful eradication. If live insects reappear, repeat the entire protocol.
Adhering to this comprehensive regimen eliminates the infestation without professional intervention and minimizes the risk of recurrence.