How and with what to remove lice? - briefly
Use a pediculicide shampoo or lotion containing 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % malathion, or a dimethicone‑based product, applied to dry hair for the time specified on the label and then rinsed thoroughly; follow with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove lice and nits. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched insects.
How and with what to remove lice? - in detail
Lice infestations require prompt elimination to prevent spread and discomfort. Effective eradication combines chemical agents, mechanical removal, and preventive actions.
Chemical agents
- Permethrin‑based shampoos applied to damp hair, left for ten minutes, then rinsed.
- Pyrethrin lotions mixed with a carrier oil, applied to scalp, left for thirty minutes before washing.
- Malathion creams used for resistant cases, following manufacturer instructions for exposure time.
Mechanical removal
- Fine‑toothed nit combs passed through wet hair in sections, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends.
- Repetitive combing every two to three days until no live insects or eggs are detected.
Natural options
- Diluted tea‑tree oil (0.5 % concentration) applied to scalp, left for fifteen minutes, then rinsed.
- A mixture of vinegar and water sprayed onto hair, left for five minutes before combing, helps loosen eggs.
Environmental control
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in plastic bags for two weeks to starve surviving insects.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats, discarding vacuum bags immediately.
Follow‑up monitoring
- Inspect hair daily for the first week, then weekly for three weeks.
- Continue combing sessions until two consecutive examinations show no live lice or nits.
Combining approved chemical treatments with thorough combing and strict hygiene yields the most reliable outcome.