How and with what should you fight lice? - briefly
Effective lice eradication requires a pediculicide shampoo with 1 % permethrin applied according to label instructions, followed by thorough nit removal using a fine‑toothed comb after each treatment. laundering bedding and clothing in hot water and vacuuming upholstered surfaces eliminates remaining eggs and reduces re‑infestation risk.
How and with what should you fight lice? - in detail
Effective eradication of head‑lice infestations requires a combination of chemical, mechanical, and environmental strategies.
Topical insecticides remain the primary option. Permethrin 1 % cream rinse, applied to dry hair for ten minutes before rinsing, eliminates most lice and nits. Pyrethrin‑based products, combined with piperonyl‑butoxide, provide comparable results. For resistance‑prone cases, malathion 0.5 % lotion, applied for eight to twelve hours, offers an alternative. All chemical agents must be left on the scalp for the manufacturer‑specified duration and repeated after seven days to target newly hatched nits.
Mechanical removal supplements chemical treatment. Fine‑toothed nit combs, used on wet, conditioned hair, extract live insects and eggs. Re‑comb at least twice daily for ten days ensures complete clearance.
Environmental control reduces re‑infestation risk. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items unable to withstand heat should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove detached nits.
Preventive measures limit spread. Advise against sharing combs, hats, or headphones. Encourage regular head inspections in schools and childcare facilities.
A concise protocol:
- Apply a licensed pediculicide according to label instructions.
- Comb hair with a nit‑removal comb immediately after treatment; repeat every 48 hours.
- Launder personal items in hot water; seal non‑washable items for fourteen days.
- Perform a second chemical application seven days after the first.
- Conduct follow‑up inspections for two weeks; repeat combing if live lice are detected.
Adherence to this integrated approach eliminates infestations efficiently and minimizes recurrence.