How can lice and nits be treated at home? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin lotion or 0.5 % pyrethrin shampoo to damp hair, leave for the recommended duration, rinse, and then comb with a fine‑toothed nit comb to extract any remaining eggs. Repeat the procedure after 7–10 days and launder all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water to prevent re‑infestation.
How can lice and nits be treated at home? - in detail
Detecting an infestation requires a fine‑toothed comb and bright lighting. Separate a small section of hair, pull it taut, and run the comb from scalp to tip. If live insects or oval, translucent eggs are seen, treatment must begin promptly.
Mechanical removal
- Wet the hair with a conditioner to loosen the grip of the insects.
- Use a metal or plastic nit comb, moving it slowly through each strand.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel; discard any captured lice or nits.
- Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched lice.
Over‑the‑counter pediculicides
- Apply a shampoo or lotion containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin according to the product label.
- Leave the preparation on the scalp for the recommended duration, usually 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly, then repeat the application after 7–10 days to eliminate any survivors.
Alternative topical agents
- Dimethicone‑based lotions coat the insects, causing them to suffocate.
- Apply a generous amount to dry hair, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then wash out.
- Follow with a second treatment after one week.
Household decontamination
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the past 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 the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Environmental prevention
- Advise all household members to avoid sharing hats, hairbrushes, or headphones.
- Encourage regular hair inspections, especially after school or camp attendance.
- Keep long hair tied back to reduce contact with others’ heads.
Follow‑up
- Perform a final combing session 14 days after the initial treatment to confirm eradication.
- If live lice persist, consider a second‑line prescription such as malathion 0.5 % or oral ivermectin, administered by a healthcare professional.
Adhering to the outlined schedule—mechanical removal, appropriate topical agents, thorough cleaning, and vigilant re‑inspection—provides a reliable, home‑based solution for eliminating head lice and their eggs.