How are lice removed from people? - briefly
Lice are eradicated by applying a licensed pediculicide (shampoo, lotion, or spray) according to the product’s instructions, then combing the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove dead insects and eggs; a second treatment after 7–10 days eliminates any newly hatched lice.
How are lice removed from people? - in detail
Lice infestations are treated through a combination of chemical agents, mechanical extraction, and environmental sanitation. Effective eradication requires adherence to recommended application intervals and thorough removal of viable insects and their eggs.
Chemical pediculicides contain neurotoxic compounds such as permethrin, pyrethrin, or dimethicone. The product is applied to dry hair, left for the manufacturer‑specified duration, then rinsed. A second application, typically 7–10 days later, eliminates newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial exposure. Resistance monitoring is essential; alternative formulations with spinosad or ivermectin may be employed when standard agents prove ineffective.
Mechanical removal relies on a fine‑toothed lice comb. The procedure includes:
- Sectioning hair into manageable strands.
- Running the comb from scalp to tip in a single, continuous motion.
- Disposing of captured specimens after each pass.
- Repeating the combing process at 2‑day intervals for a minimum of one week.
Heat‑based methods, such as specialized hair‑drying devices delivering temperatures above 50 °C, destroy lice and nits without chemicals. Application must ensure uniform heat distribution and avoid scalp injury. Oils with high viscosity, notably dimethicone, suffocate insects by coating the exoskeleton, a technique often combined with combing for enhanced efficacy.
Environmental control mitigates reinfestation. All bedding, clothing, and personal items should be laundered at ≥ 60 °C or sealed in airtight bags for two weeks. Non‑washable objects benefit from vacuuming or exposure to direct sunlight for several hours. Regular inspection of household members prevents unnoticed transmission.
Follow‑up examinations, conducted 7–10 days after initial treatment, confirm the absence of live lice and viable eggs. Persistent detection warrants repeat of the chosen therapeutic regimen or consultation with a healthcare professional for alternative strategies.