How can lice be removed from a person's head at home?

How can lice be removed from a person's head at home? - briefly

Apply a medicated shampoo or petroleum‑based oil, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb while it remains damp, extracting nits after each pass. Repeat the treatment every 2–3 days for two weeks and wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water.

How can lice be removed from a person's head at home? - in detail

Treating head lice at home requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical treatment, thorough combing, and environmental cleaning. The following protocol outlines each stage in detail.

Select an appropriate treatment
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicide: Use a shampoo or lotion containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin. Apply according to the product label, leave on the scalp for the specified time, then rinse.
- Non‑chemical option: Apply a saturated mixture of olive oil, coconut oil, or petroleum jelly to the hair and scalp. Cover with a shower cap for 8–12 hours to suffocate the insects, then wash out.
Prepare the hair for combing
- After treatment, towel‑dry the hair until it is damp but not dripping.
- Apply a generous amount of a thick conditioner to detangle and increase slip, which facilitates removal.
Mechanical removal
- Use a fine‑toothed nit comb (spacing ≤0.2 mm). Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through a small section of hair, moving slowly to avoid breaking the lice.
- After each pass, rinse the comb in a bowl of hot water to kill any captured insects.
- Repeat the process for the entire head, working from the crown to the nape and from side to side.
- Perform a second combing session 7–10 days later to catch any newly hatched nymphs.
Post‑treatment hygiene
- Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Preventive measures
- Advise regular inspection of hair every 2–3 days for the first month.
- Recommend avoiding head-to-head contact and sharing of combs, hats, or hair accessories.
- Encourage routine use of a nit comb during routine grooming, especially in households with recent cases.

By following this structured regimen—selecting an effective product, ensuring proper combing technique, and eliminating environmental reservoirs—head lice can be eradicated without professional intervention.