How can lice be easily removed? - briefly
Apply a medicated shampoo or conditioner, then comb the hair with a fine-toothed lice comb to extract nits and adult insects. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water or seal them in plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How can lice be easily removed? - in detail
Effective removal of head lice relies on a combination of mechanical and chemical strategies. The first step is to isolate the infested individual to prevent further spread. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Non‑washable items should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, as lice cannot survive without a host for more than 48 hours.
The core of treatment involves thorough combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb. Apply a conditioner or a detangling spray to wet hair to reduce friction, then section the hair and run the comb from scalp to tip in a single pass. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue to detect any remaining nits. Repeat the process every 2–3 days for two weeks, covering the entire head each session.
Chemical pediculicides can supplement combing when resistance is suspected. Permethrin 1 % lotion or pyrethrin‑based products are applied to dry hair, left for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes), then rinsed. For resistant cases, a 0.5 % malathion solution or a benzyl alcohol lotion may be prescribed. Follow label instructions precisely; over‑application can cause scalp irritation.
After initial treatment, perform a secondary combing session 7–10 days later to eliminate newly hatched nits. Continue weekly checks for at least four weeks. Any live lice observed after this period indicates treatment failure and may require a different active ingredient or a prescription‑only option such as ivermectin.
Environmental control includes vacuuming carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats. Dispose of hair accessories, brushes, and combs by soaking them in hot water (at least 130 °F) for 10 minutes or by sealing them in a bag for a week.
In summary, a systematic approach—heat sanitation of personal items, repeated meticulous combing, appropriate use of approved pediculicides, and vigilant follow‑up—provides the most reliable method for eliminating head lice quickly and preventing reinfestation.