How can lice be cleared? - briefly
Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide shampoo or lotion, follow the label’s contact time, rinse, and then remove nits with a fine‑tooth nit comb; repeat the application after 7–10 days. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and vacuum upholstered surfaces to prevent re‑infestation.
How can lice be cleared? - in detail
Lice infestations require a systematic approach that combines chemical, mechanical, and environmental measures. Effective eradication begins with selecting an appropriate pediculicide. Over‑the‑counter shampoos or lotions containing 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % pyrethrin, or dimethicone are approved for human use. Apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring thorough coverage of the scalp and hair shafts. Leave the solution on for the prescribed duration, then rinse completely.
Following chemical treatment, mechanical removal is essential. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair to extract live insects and nits. Conduct combing in sections, moving from the scalp outward, and repeat the process at least twice a day for seven consecutive days. This practice eliminates survivors that the pediculicide may have missed.
Environmental control prevents reinfestation. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on a high‑heat setting. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove any fallen lice or eggs.
A concise protocol:
- Apply a licensed pediculicide; follow timing and dosage guidelines.
- Comb hair with a nit comb while wet; repeat every 12 hours for one week.
- Launder or seal all personal items; vacuum surroundings.
- Re‑treat the scalp after seven days with the same product if live lice are still observed.
- Conduct a final inspection 14 days after the initial treatment to confirm clearance.
Monitoring continues until no live lice or viable nits are detected during a thorough scalp examination. If resistance to standard agents is suspected, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options such as ivermectin or malathion.