Help, what should we do if we can't get rid of lice? - briefly
Seek a prescription‑strength pediculicide from a healthcare professional and apply it according to guidelines, then repeat the treatment after 7–10 days while laundering clothing, bedding, and personal items at high temperature. Also treat all close contacts and regularly inspect hair to prevent reinfestation.
Help, what should we do if we can't get rid of lice? - in detail
Persistent head‑lice infestations require a systematic approach that goes beyond a single over‑the‑counter product.
First, confirm the presence of live lice and viable eggs (nits) by examining the scalp with a fine‑tooth comb under good lighting. Remove any visible nits with a fine comb, working from the crown outward, and discard them to reduce the immediate egg load.
If a standard pediculicide has failed, consider the following steps:
- Change treatment class – switch from a pyrethrin‑based shampoo to a prescription‑strength option such as a dimethicone lotion, malathion, or ivermectin, each acting by different mechanisms.
- Follow the full dosing schedule – most products require a second application 7–10 days after the first to target hatchlings that survived the initial dose. Do not skip this repeat treatment.
- Combine with mechanical removal – after each application, comb the hair with a nit‑comb at least twice a day for a week. This mechanical step eliminates survivors that chemicals miss.
- Treat personal items – wash bedding, hats, scarves, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 130 °F / 54 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or placed in a freezer at –4 °F / –20 °C for 24 hours.
- Clean the environment – vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray lice and nits. Discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
- Avoid cross‑contamination – limit close head‑to‑head contact, do not share combs, brushes, or hair accessories, and instruct household members to check their own heads daily.
If infestations persist after two complete treatment cycles, seek medical evaluation. A healthcare professional can prescribe oral ivermectin, assess for resistance, or investigate secondary skin conditions that may mimic lice.
Finally, educate all affected individuals about the life cycle of head lice (egg → nymph → adult) and the necessity of adhering strictly to treatment timelines. Consistent application of chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures typically resolves even stubborn infestations.