How can lice be fought? - briefly
Effective control relies on applying a health‑authority‑approved pediculicide shampoo or lotion and then combing hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove remaining nits. Laundering bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and vacuuming upholstered surfaces further prevents re‑infestation.
How can lice be fought? - in detail
Effective control of head lice requires a systematic approach that combines detection, direct removal, chemical or physical treatment, and environmental management.
Accurate identification is the first step. Use a fine-toothed lice comb on damp hair, inspecting the scalp and hairline for live insects and viable nits within 1 cm of the scalp. Confirm presence before initiating any intervention.
Direct removal methods include:
- Wet combing: Apply a conditioner, divide hair into sections, and comb each section from scalp to tip with a metal or plastic lice comb. Repeat every 2–3 days for two weeks.
- Manual extraction: Use fine tweezers to grasp and detach nits attached firmly to the hair shaft; this technique demands steady hands and magnification.
Chemical treatments rely on insecticidal agents that disrupt the lice nervous system or suffocate them. Common options are:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion: Applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed. Resistance has been reported in some populations.
- Pyrethrin‑piperonyl butoxide: Similar protocol to permethrin; effective against susceptible strains.
- Malathion 0.5 %: Requires application to dry hair, left for 8–12 hours, then washed. Suitable for resistant cases but contraindicated for children under 6 years.
- Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion: Acts as a neurotoxin, applied for 10 minutes, then rinsed; safe for children over 6 months.
- Ivermectin 0.5 % lotion: Single application, no repeat needed for most cases; prescription‑only in many regions.
- Dimethicone 4 %: Coats insects, causing dehydration; left for 8 hours before washing.
Physical alternatives avoid chemicals:
- Heat treatment: Devices delivering controlled hot air (≈50 °C) for 10 minutes can kill lice and nits without residue.
- Shaving or cutting hair short: Eliminates habitat, simplifying removal.
Environmental control reduces re‑infestation risk:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items used within the preceding 48 hours in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats to remove stray insects.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, hair accessories, and personal care items.
Follow‑up is essential. Conduct a second wet‑combing session 7–10 days after the initial treatment to eliminate newly hatched lice. Repeat chemical applications according to product guidelines, typically after 7 days, to target any survivors.
Preventive measures include regular scalp inspections, maintaining short hair where feasible, and educating caregivers about transmission pathways. Consistent application of the outlined protocol yields high eradication rates and minimizes recurrence.