How can lice be eliminated at home in one day? - briefly
Apply a 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin spray as directed, comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb («nit comb») while the product is still wet, and launder all bedding, clothing, and personal items in water ≥60 °C. Repeat the combing and a second application after 24 hours to eliminate any newly hatched nymphs.
How can lice be eliminated at home in one day? - in detail
Effective removal of head lice within a single day at home requires coordinated chemical and mechanical actions, followed by immediate environmental sanitation.
Begin by selecting an over‑the‑counter pediculicide that contains 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Apply the product according to the label, ensuring complete coverage of the scalp and hair shafts. Use a fine‑tooth nit comb while the solution remains wet; each pass should separate live insects and their eggs. Perform combing in sections, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends, discarding debris after each pass.
After the recommended exposure time (usually 10 – 15 minutes), rinse hair with water hotter than 130 °F (54 °C). Follow with a second combing session while hair is still damp, focusing on the nape, behind the ears, and crown—areas where lice concentrate. Repeat the combing process at least three times during the day, spacing sessions by two to three hours.
Simultaneously treat the environment. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the past 48 hours in water exceeding 130 °F, then dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; place the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag before disposal. Seal non‑washable items (hats, scarves, hair accessories) in airtight containers for two weeks to starve any surviving insects.
Conduct a final inspection 24 hours after the initial treatment. Use the nit comb on dry hair; any remaining nits indicate the need for an additional chemical application and repeat combing. Maintain daily comb checks for the next seven days to ensure complete eradication.