How can lice be eliminated from a person's head? - briefly
Apply a pediculicidal shampoo or lotion as directed, then comb the hair with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove live insects and eggs; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
How can lice be eliminated from a person's head? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice infestations requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical treatment, thorough cleaning of personal items, and follow‑up inspections.
First, select an appropriate treatment for the scalp. Options include:
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrins with piperonyl‑butoxide. Apply according to the product label, leave for the recommended time, then rinse thoroughly.
- Prescription agents such as malathion (0.5 %) or ivermectin lotion for resistant cases. Use only under medical guidance.
- Physical methods: a fine‑toothed nit comb applied to wet, conditioned hair after a shampoo. Comb from scalp to ends, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat every 2–3 days for at least ten days.
Second, address the environment to prevent re‑infestation:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed toys) in plastic bags for two weeks to starve surviving lice.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray nits.
Third, monitor and repeat as needed:
- Inspect the scalp daily for live insects and viable eggs. Viable nits are usually within 1 mm of the scalp; discard them.
- Conduct a second treatment 7–10 days after the initial application to eliminate any newly hatched lice that escaped the first round.
- Continue weekly checks for four weeks to confirm eradication.
Finally, educate all household members about avoiding direct head‑to‑head contact and not sharing personal hair accessories, which are common transmission routes. Consistent adherence to the treatment schedule and environmental decontamination eliminates the infestation and minimizes recurrence.