How can I remove lice from myself at home? - briefly
Apply a licensed pediculicide or a 10 % tea‑tree oil solution to dry hair, leave it for the recommended time, rinse, then comb the strands with a fine‑toothed nit comb soaked in conditioner, repeating the combing every 2–3 hours for several days and performing a second treatment 7–10 days later to eradicate any newly hatched nits.
How can I remove lice from myself at home? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations without professional assistance requires a systematic approach, proper tools, and consistent follow‑up.
Begin by gathering the necessary equipment: a fine‑toothed lice comb (preferably 0.2 mm spacing), a white towel or paper towel, a bowl of warm water mixed with a small amount of regular shampoo, disposable gloves, and a plastic bag for disposal. Having these items on hand prevents interruptions during the treatment.
Two primary methods are effective at home: mechanical removal (wet combing) and topical agents. Wet combing eliminates live insects and nits without chemicals; topical agents, such as permethrin‑based shampoos, kill lice but may leave eggs viable, requiring a second application.
Wet‑combing procedure
- Saturate the hair with the warm‑shampoo solution; keep it damp for at least 10 minutes.
- Divide hair into 1‑inch sections and secure each with a clip.
- Starting at the scalp, run the fine‑toothed comb through each section from root to tip, wiping the comb on the white towel after each pass.
- After every pass, inspect the towel for lice or nits; remove any found and discard them in the sealed plastic bag.
- Repeat the process on all sections, then rinse hair with clean water.
- Perform the entire routine once daily for seven consecutive days, then repeat after 7–10 days to capture any newly hatched lice.
Topical agents
- Apply an over‑the‑counter permethrin 1 % lotion according to the package directions, typically leaving it on the scalp for 10 minutes before rinsing.
- After a 7‑day interval, repeat the application to address any surviving eggs.
- Follow each use with a thorough combing session to remove residual nits.
Home‑based adjuncts
- Apply a thin layer of olive oil or coconut oil to hair, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then comb to loosen nits; this method eases mechanical removal but does not replace it.
- Avoid petroleum‑based products that may interfere with chemical treatments.
Post‑treatment hygiene is critical to prevent re‑infestation. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the past 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags promptly.
Finally, conduct a verification check on day 14. Examine the hair with the fine comb under bright light; any remaining nits indicate a need for another full treatment cycle. Consistent application of the described steps eliminates the infestation and minimizes the risk of recurrence.