How can one get rid of lice if there are many? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or lotion exactly as directed, then repeat the application after 7‑10 days; immediately follow with thorough wet‑combing using a fine‑toothed lice comb to extract nits. Wash all bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in airtight containers for two weeks to eliminate any surviving lice.
How can one get rid of lice if there are many? - in detail
A massive lice outbreak requires a coordinated approach that targets the insects on the host, in the environment, and prevents re‑infestation.
First, confirm the presence of live lice and viable nits. Use a fine‑toothed comb on dry hair, section by section, to pull out insects and eggs. Collect any found nits on a white surface for identification; viable nits appear firm and are attached within 1 mm of the scalp.
Second, apply an approved pediculicide. Options include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion, applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed.
- Dimethicone‑based products, which suffocate lice without neurotoxic action.
- Malathion 0.5 % spray, reserved for resistant cases, applied to damp hair, left for 8–12 hours.
Follow the manufacturer’s timing precisely; under‑exposure reduces efficacy, while over‑exposure may irritate the scalp.
Third, perform wet combing immediately after treatment. Use a nit‑comb, section hair, and pull the comb through from scalp to tip, rinsing the comb after each pass. Repeat this process every 2–3 days for two weeks to eliminate newly hatched lice.
Fourth, treat the environment. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C, then dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for at least two weeks, as lice cannot survive beyond 48 hours off a host. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag afterward.
Fifth, educate all contacts. Every person who shared a household or close contact must undergo the same inspection and treatment protocol, even if asymptomatic.
Sixth, implement preventive measures after clearance. Advise regular hair checks, avoid head‑to‑head contact, and discourage sharing of combs, hats, or hair accessories.
Finally, schedule a follow‑up examination 14 days after the initial treatment to verify eradication. Persistent nits or live lice at this stage indicate treatment failure and may require an alternative pediculicide or a prescription‑only medication.
By executing these steps systematically, a large infestation can be eliminated and recurrence minimized.