How can I kill lice and nits at home? - briefly
Apply an over‑the‑counter pediculicide (e.g., 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin) to freshly shampooed hair, follow the label’s timing, rinse, and then remove all insects and eggs with a fine‑toothed nit comb; repeat the process after 7–10 days and wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in water ≥ 130 °F.
How can I kill lice and nits at home? - in detail
Eliminating head lice and their eggs at home requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or natural treatments, thorough cleaning of personal items, and repeated combing to remove surviving organisms.
Begin with a proven pediculicide or a well‑studied home remedy. FDA‑approved shampoos containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinsed. For families preferring non‑chemical options, a 20 % vinegar solution or a mixture of 1 % tea‑tree oil in a carrier oil can be applied similarly, though efficacy is lower and may require additional applications.
After treatment, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (0.2 mm spacing) on damp hair. Section hair, start at the scalp, and pull the comb through each strand, wiping the teeth with a disposable tissue after each pass. Perform this combing every 2–3 days for at least two weeks to catch newly hatched nits.
Simultaneously, decontaminate the environment:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items (hats, scarves, plush toys) in airtight bags for 2 weeks; lice cannot survive beyond 48 hours without a host.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats thoroughly; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters after use.
- Soak combs, brushes, and hair accessories in hot water (≥ 50 °C) for 10 minutes or immerse in the same vinegar or alcohol solution used for treatment.
Repeat the entire process after 7 days. The life cycle of the parasite (egg → nymph → adult) spans roughly 7–10 days; a second round of treatment ensures any survivors are eliminated before they reproduce.
Monitor for signs of reinfestation (itching, live lice, or viable nits) for at least 4 weeks. If symptoms persist after two full treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options such as malathion 0.5 % or ivermectin lotion.