How can lice, especially clothing lice, be fought? - briefly
Effective control of head and clothing lice requires thorough cleaning, chemical or physical treatments, and routine inspection. Wash all garments and bedding in hot water, apply approved insecticidal shampoos or lotions to hair, and use a fine-toothed comb to remove nits.
How can lice, especially clothing lice, be fought? - in detail
Lice infestations require a combination of personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, and targeted treatment agents. The most effective control strategy distinguishes between head‑tooth lice and body lice that reside in clothing, because each species responds to different interventions.
Personal hygiene measures reduce the likelihood of transmission. Regular washing of hair with a fine‑toothed comb removes adult insects and nits. For body lice, daily bathing and changing into clean garments interrupt the life cycle, as nymphs develop only in the seams of worn clothing.
Environmental sanitation addresses the reservoir where clothing lice multiply. The following actions are essential:
- Launder all clothing, bedding, and towels at a minimum temperature of 60 °C (140 °F) for at least 30 minutes; if high heat is unavailable, soak items in water containing 1 % sodium hypochlorite for 10 minutes before machine washing.
- Dry cleaned items on high heat for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Store infrequently used garments in sealed plastic bags for at least two weeks to ensure that any surviving lice perish.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle interiors thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister after each use.
Chemical treatments complement mechanical removal. Over‑the‑counter pediculicides containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion are applied to the scalp according to manufacturer instructions, left for the recommended exposure time, then rinsed. For clothing lice, a 0.5 % pyrethrin spray applied to seams and folds, followed by laundering, eliminates residual insects. Resistance to commonly used insecticides is documented; in such cases, prescription‑grade ivermectin or spinosad may be required under medical supervision.
Physical removal methods provide a non‑chemical alternative. A fine‑toothed nit comb, used on damp hair, extracts lice and eggs when passed from scalp to tip in systematic strokes. Repeating the combing process every 48 hours for a week ensures that newly hatched nits are captured before they mature.
Monitoring and follow‑up are critical. After treatment, inspect the scalp and clothing seams daily for three weeks. Persistence of live insects indicates treatment failure or re‑infestation, prompting a repeat of the full protocol and, if necessary, consultation with a healthcare professional for alternative therapeutics.