How can lice eggs be killed? - briefly
Use a nit‑killing pediculicide (e.g., 1 % permethrin or dimethicone) according to the label, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb to remove any remaining shells. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
How can lice eggs be killed? - in detail
Effective eradication of lice ova requires a combination of chemical, thermal, and mechanical strategies.
Chemical agents that target the egg membrane include permethrin‑based lotions, pyrethrin‑containing shampoos, malathion solutions, benzyl alcohol preparations, and spinosad formulations. These products penetrate the protective coating, disrupt embryonic development, and must remain on the scalp for the manufacturer‑specified duration to ensure complete contact. Resistance to permethrin and pyrethrins has been documented; in such cases, malathion (0.5 %) or spinosad (0.9 %) provide reliable alternatives.
Thermal methods destroy the chorion through heat exposure. Washing infested garments and bedding in water at ≥130 °F (54 °C) for a minimum of five minutes, followed by tumble‑drying on high heat for ten minutes, eliminates all viable eggs. Direct application of steam (≥212 °F/100 °C) to the hair for three to five minutes achieves similar results; a hair dryer set to maximum heat for at least ten minutes can serve as a portable option.
Mechanical removal involves fine‑toothed nit combs (0.2 mm spacing). Systematic combing from scalp to tip, repeated every 2–3 days for two weeks, extracts both live nits and empty shells.
Suffocation techniques apply petroleum‑based substances—olive oil, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly—to coat the egg surface, obstructing oxygen exchange. A 15‑minute application followed by thorough combing enhances removal efficiency.
Prescription regimens combine the above methods. For resistant infestations, a protocol of oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) administered on day 1 and repeated on day 7, paired with a topical insecticide, yields high cure rates.
Safety considerations: avoid applying chemical treatments to broken skin, adhere to age restrictions, and verify that heat‑based procedures do not exceed hair‑damage thresholds.
A comprehensive plan—initial chemical treatment, immediate hot‑wash cycle, daily nit combing, and a follow‑up application after seven days—provides the highest probability of total egg elimination.