How can lice and nits be eliminated once and for all at home? - briefly
Apply a WHO‑approved pediculicide shampoo, leave it on the scalp for the recommended duration, rinse, and immediately comb the hair with a fine‑tooth « nit comb », repeating the combing every 2–3 days for two weeks. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for 48 hours to prevent re‑infestation.
How can lice and nits be eliminated once and for all at home? - in detail
Effective eradication of head lice and their eggs at home requires simultaneous treatment of the infestation and thorough decontamination of the environment. Adult insects survive for approximately 30 days; eggs (nits) hatch in 7–10 days. Both stages must be eliminated to prevent recurrence.
Before applying any treatment, remove personal items that cannot be laundered and place them in sealed bags for later processing. Wash all washable textiles—clothing, bedding, towels—in hot water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. For items that cannot withstand heat, seal in plastic bags for two weeks to starve any surviving lice.
Chemical treatments fall into two categories: over‑the‑counter (OTC) pediculicides containing pyrethrins or permethrin, and prescription‑only products such as malathion or ivermectin. Follow the label precisely: apply to dry hair, saturate scalp and strands, leave for the recommended duration (usually 10 minutes), then rinse. A second application 7–10 days later targets newly hatched nits that escaped the first round.
Manual removal complements chemical methods. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on damp, conditioned hair. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section, wiping the teeth after every pass. Repeat the combing process every 2–3 days for two weeks, ensuring no live lice or viable nits remain.
Environmental control extends beyond laundering. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats thoroughly; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately. Soak hairbrushes, combs, and styling tools in hot water (at least 130 °F) for 10 minutes. Place non‑washable items—hats, scarves, pillowcases—in sealed containers for two weeks.
Preventive measures reduce future risk. Prohibit sharing of headgear, hair accessories, and bedding. Conduct weekly scalp inspections, especially after group activities, and treat any detected infestation promptly. Maintaining these practices eliminates lice and nits permanently within the household.