How can nits and lice be removed? - briefly
Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair after applying a pediculicide treatment, repeating the combing every 3–4 days for two weeks to remove surviving eggs. Wash or seal bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or airtight bags for at least two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
How can nits and lice be removed? - in detail
Removing head‑lice eggs and the insects themselves requires a systematic approach that combines direct treatment, thorough combing, and environmental sanitation.
First, confirm infestation by inspecting the scalp and hair under bright light. Look for live insects, which are brown‑gray and about the size of a sesame seed, and for nits attached firmly to the hair shaft within a quarter‑inch of the scalp.
Apply a licensed pediculicide according to the product label. Common active ingredients include permethrin (1 %) and pyrethrins with piperonyl‑butoxide. Follow the recommended exposure time, then rinse thoroughly. A second application after 7–10 days targets any newly hatched lice that survived the first treatment.
After chemical treatment, use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp and pull the comb down the shaft, wiping the teeth after each pass. Repeat the combing process at least twice daily for one week. This mechanical step removes remaining eggs and live insects and reduces reinfestation risk.
If chemical agents are contraindicated, employ heat‑based methods. A hair dryer set to high temperature, held at a safe distance, can kill lice and nits after the hair is washed and towel‑dried. Alternatively, apply a thick layer of mineral oil, leave it for 30 minutes, then comb and wash. Both methods suffocate the parasites.
Sanitize personal items to prevent re‑infestation. Wash clothing, pillowcases, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C or tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, discarding the vacuum bag or cleaning the canister afterward.
Monitor the situation for two weeks. If live lice or viable nits are still observed after the second chemical application and repeated combing, repeat the entire protocol. Persistent cases may require prescription‑strength treatments such as malathion (0.5 %) or ivermectin lotion, administered under medical supervision.
By integrating chemical treatment, diligent combing, heat or oil alternatives, and rigorous cleaning of the environment, complete eradication of head‑lice infestations can be achieved.