How can lice nits be removed? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide or suffocating agent, then run a fine‑toothed nit comb through wet, conditioned hair to extract each egg and its shell. Repeat the treatment and combing after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
How can lice nits be removed? - in detail
Effective elimination of lice eggs requires a combination of chemical and mechanical strategies applied systematically.
Begin with a thorough wet‑combing session. Shampoo the hair with a regular or medicated cleanser, then rinse and keep the strands damp. Use a fine‑tooth nit comb, spacing the teeth no more than 0.5 mm apart. Starting at the scalp, pull the comb through each section toward the ends, wiping the teeth on a white towel after each pass to expose any attached eggs. Repeat the process for the entire head, then rinse and dry. Perform this routine every 2–3 days for at least three weeks, as newly hatched nymphs may emerge after the initial treatment.
If a pediculicide is employed, follow these guidelines:
- Choose a product containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin, applied to dry hair and left for the manufacturer‑specified duration (usually 10 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly, then repeat the treatment after 7 days to target any survivors.
- For resistant infestations, consider a prescription‑only agent such as malathion (0.5 %) or ivermectin lotion, applied according to medical instructions.
Manual removal without chemicals is possible but labor‑intensive. After washing, section the hair with clips, then use a metal nit picker or a fine‑pointed tweezers to extract visible eggs. Dispose of each egg in a sealed container; avoid crushing, which can release viable nymphs.
Environmental control complements direct removal. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C, then tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to capture detached eggs.
Maintain vigilance after treatment. Conduct weekly inspections for at least one month, focusing on the nape, behind the ears, and hairline. Early detection of residual eggs allows prompt re‑application of the chosen method, preventing re‑infestation.