How can lice and nits be removed efficiently and quickly? - briefly
Apply a fast‑acting pediculicide followed immediately by a fine‑toothed nit comb, processing the hair in sections and removing each egg and organism. Repeat the treatment after 7 days and launder all clothing and bedding at high temperature to prevent reinfestation.
How can lice and nits be removed efficiently and quickly? - in detail
Effective removal of head lice and their eggs requires a combination of mechanical and chemical actions applied promptly.
A thorough wet‑combing routine provides immediate results. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on freshly shampooed, damp hair. Work from the scalp outward, sectioning hair to expose the entire scalp. After each pass, wipe the comb on a disposable tissue and rinse it with hot water. Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched lice before they mature.
Chemical treatments accelerate the process when applied correctly. Choose a pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion, following label instructions precisely. Apply the product to dry hair, cover with a plastic cap for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. A second application after 7–10 days eliminates survivors that escaped the first dose.
Adjunctive measures reduce re‑infestation risk. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items used within the previous 48 hours in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) or place them in a sealed bag for two weeks. Vacuum upholstered furniture and car seats to remove stray nits.
For resistant cases, consider a prescription‑only option such as 0.05 % ivermectin lotion. Apply to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse. Follow with a nit‑comb session to extract residual eggs.
A concise protocol:
- Wet‑comb with nit comb immediately after shampoo; repeat every 48 hours for 14 days.
- Apply 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion; repeat after 7–10 days.
- Launder or seal all personal textiles and vacuum environments.
- If lice persist, use 0.05 % ivermectin lotion and follow with mechanical removal.
Adhering strictly to this regimen eliminates infestations quickly and minimizes the chance of recurrence.