How can I remove lice at home from a person? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo or a diluted vinegar solution, then comb the hair thoroughly with a fine-tooth lice comb, repeat the treatment every 2–3 days for two weeks, and wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to prevent re‑infestation.
How can I remove lice at home from a person? - in detail
Removing head lice without professional assistance requires a systematic approach that includes identification, direct treatment, and environmental decontamination.
Begin by confirming infestation. Examine the scalp under bright light, part hair in sections, and look for live insects or nits attached within ¼ inch of the hair shaft. Use a fine‑tooth lice comb to verify presence.
Prepare a treatment plan:
- Wet combing – Apply a generous amount of conditioner to damp hair, let it sit for five minutes, then comb from scalp to tips with a stainless‑steel lice comb. Wipe each comb stroke on a white paper towel; discard any insects found. Repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides – Use a permethrin 1 % lotion or a dimethicone‑based product according to label instructions. Apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid re‑application within 24 hours to reduce resistance risk.
- Alternative agents – If chemical treatments are unsuitable, consider a 20 % tea‑tree oil mixture diluted in a carrier oil, applied to the scalp for 30 minutes before combing. Evidence for efficacy is limited; monitor for skin irritation.
- Manual removal – After any chemical or oil application, repeat wet combing to extract residual nits.
Address the surrounding environment:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Implement a follow‑up schedule:
- Day 0 – Initial treatment and first combing session.
- Day 2 – Second combing session.
- Day 5 – Third combing session.
- Day 9 – Fourth combing session.
- Day 14 – Final inspection; repeat any step if live lice persist.
Document each session, noting any remaining nits or adult insects. Persistence after two weeks warrants a repeat of the full protocol or consultation with a healthcare professional.