How can lice be removed from hair on the head? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion, then comb the wet hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb from scalp to ends, and repeat the process after 7–10 days to eradicate any remaining eggs.
How can lice be removed from hair on the head? - in detail
Detecting an infestation is the first step. Examine the scalp under bright light, part hair close to the skin, and look for live insects, nits attached to the shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp, or small brown specks that are not easily brushed away. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on dry hair, then repeat on wet hair after applying a conditioner to loosen the eggs.
Manual removal
- Wet the hair thoroughly. Apply a generous amount of conditioner to reduce friction.
- Run a metal or plastic lice comb from the scalp outward, moving the comb slowly to avoid breaking the nits.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel to see captured lice or eggs.
- Dispose of the material by sealing it in a plastic bag and discarding it in the trash.
- Repeat the combing process every 2–3 days for at least two weeks, as newly hatched nymphs emerge after 7–10 days.
Chemical treatments
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing permethrin 1% or pyrethrin 0.5% are applied to dry hair, left for the time specified on the label (usually 10 minutes), then rinsed.
- For resistant cases, a prescription lotion with 0.5% malathion or 1% spinosad may be used, following the same application protocol.
- After chemical treatment, repeat manual combing to remove any surviving eggs.
Alternative methods
- Dimethicone‑based products coat the lice and block their respiratory system; they require no rinsing and are safe for children over six months.
- Anhydrous silicone oil applied to dry hair for 30 minutes, then removed with a fine comb, can suffocate both insects and nits.
- Heat treatment using a hair dryer set to high temperature for 10 minutes, keeping the dryer at least 2 inches from the scalp, can kill lice but does not affect eggs.
Environmental control
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C, then dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items (e.g., stuffed toys) in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to starve any remaining lice.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward.
Follow‑up monitoring
- Conduct a thorough comb check 7 days after the initial treatment; remove any newly detected nits.
- Perform a final inspection 14 days post‑treatment to confirm eradication.
- If live lice are observed after two treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for alternative prescription options.
Adhering to these procedures eliminates head‑lice infestations efficiently and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.