How can lice be removed from the head hair? - briefly
Apply an approved lice treatment, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth louse comb while it is damp, repeating the process every 7–10 days to remove any remaining nits.
How can lice be removed from the head hair? - in detail
Lice infestations are resolved through a combination of thorough inspection, mechanical extraction, and, when necessary, chemical or natural agents.
The first step is to confirm the presence of live insects or viable nits. Use a fine-toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair, parting strands from scalp to tip. Examine the comb teeth after each pass; live lice move quickly, while nits appear as tiny, oval, firmly attached shells.
Mechanical removal relies on a specialized lice comb. Follow these guidelines:
- Apply a slip‑conditioning agent to reduce hair tangling.
- Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through a 1‑inch segment, from root to tip.
- After each stroke, wipe the comb on a white tissue to detect captured insects.
- Rinse the comb in hot water, repeat across the entire head.
- Perform the process every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched nymphs.
Chemical treatments include over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin. Apply according to the product label: saturate dry hair, leave for the prescribed time, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat after 7–10 days to eliminate any survivors. Resistance to permethrin is documented; in such cases, a prescription‑only agent such as malathion (0.5 %) or ivermectin lotion may be required under medical supervision.
Natural alternatives:
- Wet combing with dimethicone: a silicone‑based liquid that suffocates lice while allowing easy removal with a fine comb.
- Essential‑oil blends (e.g., tea tree, neem, lavender) diluted in carrier oil, applied to scalp and left for 30 minutes before combing.
- Heat treatment: a professional steam device delivering temperatures above 50 °C for several minutes, proven to kill lice and nits without chemicals.
Post‑treatment hygiene measures prevent re‑infestation:
- Wash bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture.
- Instruct all household members to avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories.
By integrating meticulous combing, appropriate topical agents, and strict environmental decontamination, lice can be eradicated from scalp hair with high reliability.