How can I wash the head for lice at home? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo, rinse, and comb the wet hair with a fine‑tooth lice comb to remove nits. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to ensure any newly hatched lice are eliminated.
How can I wash the head for lice at home? - in detail
To eliminate head‑lice infestations by washing, follow a systematic approach that combines chemical treatment, thorough rinsing, and mechanical removal.
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Choose an appropriate lice‑killing shampoo
- Select a product containing 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % pyrethrin, or a dimethicone‑based formula.
- Verify that the label specifies use for children over the recommended age and that it is safe for regular scalp washing.
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Prepare the hair
- Dampen the hair with warm water; avoid hot water that may irritate the scalp.
- Apply the lice‑shampoo according to the instructions, ensuring full coverage from roots to tips.
- Massage gently for the recommended duration (usually 5–10 minutes) to allow the active ingredient to penetrate the egg shells.
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Rinse thoroughly
- Use a fine‑mesh comb or a dedicated lice comb while rinsing to dislodge nits.
- Run water over the hair for at least one minute, making sure no residue remains.
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Mechanical removal
- After the scalp has dried, comb the hair again with a nit‑comb, working section by section from the scalp outward.
- Wipe the comb on a white paper towel after each pass to inspect for attached eggs.
- Repeat the combing process for 10‑15 minutes, then clean the comb with hot, soapy water.
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Secondary wash (optional but recommended)
- Perform a second wash 7‑10 days after the first treatment to target any newly hatched lice that survived the initial application.
- Use the same shampoo or a regular gentle cleanser if the product label permits a repeat application.
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Post‑treatment care
- Launder bedding, towels, and clothing used during treatment in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery to remove stray hairs that may contain eggs.
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Monitoring
- Inspect the scalp daily for at least two weeks.
- If live lice are observed after the second wash, repeat the treatment cycle or consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options.
By adhering to this protocol—chemical application, comprehensive rinsing, diligent combing, and environmental decontamination—head‑lice infestations can be effectively eradicated at home.
