How can I cure lice on a human head? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide (such as 1% permethrin lotion) to dry hair, leave it for the recommended period, then rinse and remove nits with a fine‑tooth comb; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice. Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How can I cure lice on a human head? - in detail
Treating head‑lice infestation requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or mechanical eradication with environmental decontamination.
First, confirm the presence of adult lice or viable nits attached to hair shafts near the scalp. Use a fine‑tooth nit comb on wet, conditioned hair; a live insect or a nymph clinging to a hair strand confirms infestation.
Select a treatment method:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides – permethrin 1 % lotion or pyrethrin‑based sprays applied to dry hair, left for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinsed. Follow the product’s repeat‑dose schedule, typically 7–10 days after the first application, to target newly hatched lice.
- Prescription agents – malathion 0.5 % lotion, ivermectin 0.5 % cream, or oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) for resistant cases. These require a medical prescription and should be used according to the clinician’s instructions.
- Mechanical removal – apply a neutral conditioner, then comb hair with a metal nit comb at 2‑mm intervals from scalp outward. Perform the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks, removing live insects and empty shells.
Regardless of the chosen modality, repeat treatment after 7–10 days is essential because eggs hatch 7–10 days after being laid, and most products do not kill unhatched nits.
Environmental measures:
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing worn within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat.
- Seal items that cannot be laundered (e.g., stuffed toys, hats) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats to remove stray hairs that may contain nits.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, headphones, or pillows until the infestation is cleared.
After treatment, re‑examine the scalp with a nit comb every 2–3 days for two weeks. Absence of live lice and any remaining nits indicates successful eradication. If live insects persist after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative regimens or combination therapy.