How can lice be eliminated using shampoo? - briefly
Apply a pediculicidal shampoo (e.g., permethrin or pyrethrin) to wet hair, massage into the scalp, leave for the specified duration, then rinse thoroughly; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched nits. Follow with a fine‑tooth comb to remove remaining eggs and dead insects.
How can lice be eliminated using shampoo? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice infestations with shampoo relies on a combination of chemical action, thorough application, and post‑treatment procedures. The process can be broken down into several precise steps.
First, select a product that contains a proven pediculicidal agent. Commonly used active ingredients include:
- Permethrin (1 % concentration) – disrupts the nervous system of lice and nits.
- Pyrethrin combined with piperonyl butoxide – enhances toxicity and overcomes resistance.
- Dimethicone – a silicone‑based compound that suffocates insects without neurotoxic effects.
- Benzyl alcohol (5 %) – kills lice by asphyxiation while sparing the scalp.
Second, prepare the scalp. Wet hair completely, apply the shampoo according to the label, and massage gently to ensure full coverage of hair shafts and the scalp surface. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can damage hair and irritate skin.
Third, maintain the contact time stipulated by the manufacturer, typically 5–10 minutes. Use a timer to guarantee consistency. During this period, the active ingredient penetrates the louse exoskeleton and reaches embedded nits.
Fourth, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, which may degrade the chemical efficacy, nor cold water, which can cause scalp constriction and reduce absorption.
Fifth, remove dead insects and nits mechanically. A fine‑toothed nit comb should be employed on wet, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp and work outward, cleaning the comb after each pass. Repeat combing for at least 10 minutes per session.
Sixth, repeat the entire treatment after 7–10 days. Newly hatched lice that survived the initial application will emerge during this window, and a second round eliminates them before they can reproduce.
Additional considerations:
- Verify that the chosen shampoo is approved for the age group of all individuals treated; some formulations are unsuitable for infants under two months.
- Conduct a patch test on a small skin area 30 minutes before full application to detect potential allergic reactions.
- Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or place them in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
- Avoid simultaneous use of other lice treatments, such as oral ivermectin, unless directed by a healthcare professional, to prevent drug interactions.
Following this protocol maximizes the likelihood of complete eradication while minimizing scalp irritation and resistance development. Regular inspection of the hair for residual nits, performed every 2–3 days for two weeks, confirms treatment success.