How can I remove lice and their eggs? - briefly
Apply a fine‑tooth nit comb to damp, conditioned hair after treating the scalp with an approved pediculicide or a natural oil (e.g., tea‑tree or coconut), combing from scalp to tips and repeating the process every 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched nits. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks to prevent reinfestation.
How can I remove lice and their eggs? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations requires a combination of chemical or physical treatments, thorough cleaning of personal items, and repeated follow‑up to eliminate newly hatched nymphs.
First, treat the scalp. Apply an approved pediculicide (e.g., permethrin 1 % lotion, pyrethrin‑based spray, or dimethicone oil) according to the product label. Leave the preparation on the hair for the specified time, then rinse thoroughly. For resistant cases, a prescription‑only agent such as malathion 0.5 % or ivermectin lotion may be used under medical supervision.
Second, manually extract remaining insects and eggs. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Divide the hair into sections, comb from scalp to tip, and wipe the comb on a white tissue after each pass. Repeat the process for at least 10 minutes per session, then repeat the entire routine after 7–10 days to catch any hatchlings.
Third, decontaminate personal belongings. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or placed in a freezer at –20 °C for 24 hours. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister.
Fourth, prevent re‑infestation. Advise all close contacts to undergo the same treatment and combing regimen. Avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, headphones, and bedding. Regularly inspect the scalp of all household members for at least three weeks.
Finally, monitor effectiveness. After each treatment cycle, examine the hair under bright light. Absence of live lice and empty nits indicates success; any live insects require immediate retreat following the same protocol.
By combining chemical or silicone‑based agents, meticulous combing, proper laundering, and vigilant follow‑up, an infestation can be eradicated and recurrence minimized.