How can I remove head lice from the scalp? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb while it remains wet, removing all lice and nits. Repeat the process in 7–10 days and wash clothing, bedding, and personal items at high temperature.
How can I remove head lice from the scalp? - in detail
Head lice infestations require prompt, thorough action to eradicate the parasites and prevent re‑infestation. Begin with a precise assessment: inspect the scalp under bright light, part the hair in sections, and look for live insects or viable eggs (nits) attached close to the hair shaft. Detection confirms the need for treatment and guides the extent of removal.
Mechanical removal
- Apply a fine‑toothed comb specifically designed for lice, wet the hair with a conditioner to reduce slip.
- Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each strand, moving systematically from front to back.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a tissue and rinse it in hot water.
- Repeat the process at least once daily for ten days to cover the life cycle of any missed eggs.
Chemical options
- Use a pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin, following the product’s instructions precisely. Apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly.
- For resistant populations, a 0.05 % malathion solution may be prescribed; it requires careful handling, ventilation, and a post‑treatment wash after 8–12 hours.
- Over‑the‑counter dimethicone lotions act by coating the insects, causing immobilization without neurotoxic effects; apply to damp hair, cover with a shower cap for 10 minutes, then comb out.
Alternative treatments
- A mixture of equal parts olive oil and vinegar, applied to the scalp and left for 30 minutes, can loosen nits for easier removal with a comb.
- Essential oil blends (e.g., tea‑tree, lavender, neem) diluted in a carrier oil may provide supplemental efficacy, but should not replace proven pediculicides.
Environmental control
- Wash bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C, then dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve any surviving lice.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, focusing on areas where the head rested.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the scalp 7–10 days after the initial treatment; repeat mechanical removal if any nits persist.
- Conduct a second chemical application 9–10 days after the first, aligning with the hatching period of any remaining eggs.
- Maintain weekly combing for an additional two weeks to ensure complete eradication.
Adhering to this systematic protocol eliminates the infestation efficiently and minimizes the risk of recurrence.