How can one get rid of lice and nits at home? - briefly
Apply a permethrin‑ or dimethicone‑based treatment to the hair, then remove remaining eggs with a fine‑tooth nit comb after each washing for seven days. Clean bedding, clothing, and personal items by washing in hot water and vacuuming surroundings to prevent recurrence.
How can one get rid of lice and nits at home? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations and their eggs can be achieved with a systematic home approach. The process consists of three phases: treatment of the hair, removal of remaining eggs, and decontamination of the environment.
Begin by selecting a proven pediculicide shampoo or lotion that contains 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin. Apply according to the product instructions, ensuring the scalp and hair are thoroughly saturated. Leave the preparation on for the recommended time, then rinse completely. A second application after seven days targets newly hatched lice that survived the first dose.
After chemical treatment, use a fine‑toothed nit comb (spacing 0.2 mm) on wet, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp and pull the comb forward in smooth strokes, cleaning the teeth after each pass. Repeat the combing session every 2–3 days for two weeks. This mechanical step removes live insects and unhatched eggs that chemicals may miss.
If chemical options are unavailable or undesirable, a non‑chemical regimen can be effective. Soak the scalp with warm olive oil or coconut oil for 30 minutes, then cover the hair with a plastic cap for an additional hour. The oil suffocates the parasites. Follow with the same nit‑combing routine described above. A 10 % vinegar rinse (diluted with water) can loosen nits from the hair shaft, making them easier to extract with the comb.
Environmental decontamination reduces reinfestation risk. Wash all worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in airtight plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister afterward. Store hair accessories, hats, and brushes in sealed containers for the same period.
Monitor the scalp daily for signs of live lice or nits. Persistent detection after three treatment cycles may warrant consultation with a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength medication. Consistent application of the outlined steps typically resolves the infestation without external assistance.