How can lice be washed away? - briefly
Lice can be eliminated by soaking the hair in water heated to at least 130 °F with a potent shampoo, then thoroughly combing with a fine-toothed lice comb to detach nits. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched insects.
How can lice be washed away? - in detail
Lice removal through washing relies on chemical and mechanical actions that disrupt the insect’s attachment to hair and suffocate its respiratory system. Effective treatment combines a suitable pediculicide, proper water temperature, thorough combing, and repeated applications.
A typical protocol includes:
- Selection of product – Choose a shampoo or rinse containing 1% permethrin, 0.5% pyrethrin, dimethicone, or a non‑chemical silicone‑based formula. These agents coat the exoskeleton, impairing mobility and causing death by asphyxiation.
- Preparation of hair – Wet the scalp and hair with water at 38‑40 °C (100‑104 °F). Warm water enhances penetration of the active ingredient and loosens the glue that secures nits to the shaft.
- Application – Apply the product generously, ensuring coverage from scalp to tips. Massage for at least 10 minutes; the contact time specified on the label is critical for efficacy.
- Mechanical removal – After rinsing, use a fine‑toothed nit comb on damp hair. Comb sections from root to tip, cleaning the comb after each pass. This step extracts live lice and viable eggs that survived chemical exposure.
- Rinse and dry – Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then dry hair with a clean towel. Avoid heat styling devices for 24 hours, as excessive heat can degrade residual product and reduce effectiveness.
- Follow‑up – Repeat the entire process 7–10 days later. Newly hatched lice that were not present during the first treatment will emerge; a second wash eliminates them before reproduction resumes.
Additional considerations:
- Resistance management – If prior attempts with permethrin failed, switch to a silicone‑based treatment or a prescription‑only oral medication such as ivermectin, as resistance to pyrethroids is documented.
- Environmental control – Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥60 °C, 140 °F) or place them in a sealed bag for two weeks to kill detached lice and eggs.
- Safety – Follow label warnings regarding age restrictions and avoid exposure to eyes. For infants under two months, consult a healthcare professional before using any pediculicide.
By adhering to these steps, the combination of chemical lethality, heat‑enhanced absorption, and diligent mechanical extraction effectively eliminates head‑lice infestations.