How can lice nits be killed? - briefly
Chemical agents such as dimethicone‑based pediculicides or a 10 % peroxide solution destroy lice eggs on contact. Following application, a fine‑tooth nit comb removes any remaining nits.
How can lice nits be killed? - in detail
Lice eggs, commonly called nits, require direct treatment to prevent hatching and reinfestation. Effective elimination relies on chemical, physical, and environmental methods.
Chemical agents
- Permethrin 1 % lotion or shampoo applied to damp hair, left for ten minutes, then rinsed.
- Pyrethrin‑based products combined with piperonyl butoxide, applied according to label instructions.
- Dimethicone‑based silicone oils that suffocate eggs without neurotoxic effects; applied to dry hair, left for at least thirty minutes.
- Malathion 0.5 % lotion for resistant infestations; use with caution due to toxicity.
Physical removal
- Fine‑toothed nit combs, metal or plastic, used on wet, conditioned hair. Pass comb from scalp outward, cleaning teeth after each pass.
- Heat‑based devices that raise hair temperature to 50 °C for several minutes, denaturing egg proteins.
- Manual extraction with tweezers, targeting each egg attached to the hair shaft; time‑consuming but effective for low‑level cases.
Environmental control
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble dry on high heat for at least twenty minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items in airtight plastic bags for two weeks, depriving eggs of the necessary temperature and humidity for development.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or headphones during treatment period.
Combination strategies
- Apply a dimethicone lotion, follow with thorough combing, then launder all fabrics. Repeat after seven days to target any eggs that survived the initial cycle.
- For resistant infestations, alternate a permethrin treatment with a silicone‑oil product, ensuring a minimum interval of 48 hours between applications.
Monitoring
- Inspect hair daily for remaining nits; continue combing for at least ten days after the last visible egg.
- Document any adverse reactions to chemical agents; discontinue use if irritation occurs and consult a healthcare professional.
By integrating chemical ovicidal products, meticulous combing, and strict environmental hygiene, the lifecycle of lice eggs can be interrupted, leading to complete eradication.