How can I kill nits and lice? - briefly
«Use an FDA‑approved pediculicide such as 1 % permethrin shampoo, follow the label directions, then comb out remaining nits with a fine‑tooth nit comb and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days». «Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them for two weeks to eliminate any surviving lice and eggs».
How can I kill nits and lice? - in detail
Effective eradication of head‑lice infestations requires a combination of chemical, mechanical, and environmental strategies.
Topical pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % malathion, or 0.05 % ivermectin are approved for direct application to the scalp. Follow the product label precisely: apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended exposure time (usually 10 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. A second application after 7–10 days eliminates newly hatched nymphs that survived the initial dose.
Mechanical removal complements chemical treatment. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair; comb from scalp to ends, wiping the comb after each pass. Repeat the combing process daily for at least one week, then every other day for an additional week to ensure all viable eggs are removed.
Non‑chemical alternatives include:
- Dimethicone‑based lotions that suffocate lice without neurotoxic action.
- Heat therapy: exposure of hair to temperatures of 50 °C for 10 minutes kills both lice and nits; professional steam devices provide controlled heat.
- Essential‑oil mixtures (e.g., 1 % tea‑tree oil combined with a carrier) demonstrate limited efficacy; use only as adjuncts, not primary treatment.
Environmental decontamination reduces reinfestation risk. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in water ≥ 60 °C or dry‑clean them. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks, the typical survival period of lice off the host. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray insects.
Regular inspection of the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the neckline, enables early detection and prompt intervention. Maintaining short hair, avoiding head‑to‑head contact in communal settings, and discouraging the sharing of combs, hats, or headphones further limit transmission.
By integrating approved pediculicides, diligent nit‑combing, appropriate heat or silicone treatments, and thorough environmental control, complete elimination of an infestation is achievable.