How can head lice be treated at home? - briefly
Apply an OTC pediculicide shampoo or lotion as directed, then use a fine‑toothed lice comb to remove nits after each treatment interval. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum surfaces to eliminate any remaining eggs.
How can head lice be treated at home? - in detail
Head lice infestations can be resolved without professional intervention by following a systematic home‑based protocol.
First, confirm the presence of live insects and viable eggs (nits) by parting the hair close to the scalp and examining the strands with a fine‑tooth comb. Nits appear as oval, cemented objects attached to the hair shaft, usually within a half‑inch of the scalp.
Prepare the necessary supplies: a fine‑tooth nit comb, a suitable treatment product (either a pesticide‑based shampoo, a dimethicone lotion, or a proven essential‑oil mixture), petroleum jelly or a silicone‑based conditioner, disposable gloves, and clean towels. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat; items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks.
Apply the chosen treatment according to the manufacturer’s instructions or a verified home recipe. Common options include:
- Pediculicide shampoo: Apply to wet hair, lather, leave for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinse. Repeat after 7–10 days to target newly hatched lice.
- Dimethicone lotion: Coat hair thoroughly, cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes, then rinse. Dimethicone suffocates both lice and nits; a second application after one week is advisable.
- Essential‑oil blend (e.g., 1 % tea‑tree oil, 1 % lavender oil in a carrier oil): Apply to dry hair, leave for 30 minutes, then comb out nits. Use a repeat treatment after 7 days.
After the chemical or silicone treatment, perform meticulous nit removal:
- Section hair into small sections.
- Starting at the scalp, run the nit comb through each section in a downward motion.
- Wipe the comb on a tissue after each pass to prevent re‑infestation.
- Repeat the combing process for the entire head at least once daily for ten consecutive days.
Maintain a lice‑free environment by:
- Vacuuming carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats.
- Disinfecting hairbrushes, combs, and hats by soaking them in hot water (≥140 °F/60 °C) for 10 minutes.
- Avoiding head‑to‑head contact and sharing personal items until the infestation is cleared.
Monitor the scalp for live insects for two weeks. If no lice are observed after the final treatment and thorough combing, the infestation can be considered resolved. Persistent or severe cases may require professional evaluation.