How can I eradicate lice at home? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin shampoo, follow the label’s contact time, then rinse and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to extract eggs; concurrently launder bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuum all surfaces to eliminate surviving lice.
How can I eradicate lice at home? - in detail
Effective removal of head lice in a household requires a systematic approach that combines direct treatment, thorough cleaning, and vigilant monitoring.
Begin by confirming the presence of live insects or viable eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts close to the scalp. Use a fine-toothed comb on damp hair to separate strands and expose any hidden specimens.
Apply a pediculicide approved for home use according to the product label. Options include:
- 1% permethrin lotion, applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- 0.5% malathion shampoo, applied to wet hair, left for 8–10 minutes, then washed out.
- Dimethicone-based creams, which suffocate insects without chemical toxicity.
Repeat the application after 7–10 days to eradicate newly hatched nymphs that survived the first treatment.
Simultaneously, eliminate eggs that may have been missed:
- Section hair into small portions.
- Use a metal nit comb, moving from scalp outward in 4‑mm increments.
- Rinse the comb after each pass to prevent re‑infestation.
Environmental decontamination limits re‑exposure:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Place items that cannot be laundered in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks, the typical lifespan of a louse off a host.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats thoroughly; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Personal hygiene practices reduce recurrence:
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, hair accessories, or pillows.
- Encourage regular head checks, especially after sleepovers or group activities.
Maintain a log of treatment dates, re‑applications, and inspection findings. Continue weekly examinations for at least four weeks; discontinue only when no live insects or viable nits are detected for two consecutive checks.
By adhering to this protocol, complete eradication of lice within a domestic setting can be achieved without professional intervention.