How can you clean the head of nits and lice? - briefly
Apply a suitable pediculicide, rinse, then comb the damp hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove all eggs and adult insects. Repeat the treatment and combing after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched lice.
How can you clean the head of nits and lice? - in detail
Effective eradication of nits and lice from the scalp requires a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, appropriate chemical agents, and strict hygiene practices.
Initial assessment involves visual inspection under bright light, using a fine-toothed comb to separate hair strands and expose any attached eggs or insects. Confirmation of infestation is achieved when live insects or oval, translucent eggs attached to hair shafts are observed.
Mechanical removal is the cornerstone of treatment. A metal nit comb with teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart should be drawn from the scalp outward in a single, steady motion. After each pass, comb teeth must be rinsed in hot water to prevent re‑attachment. Repeating this process every 2–3 days for at least three weeks eliminates newly hatched lice before they can reproduce.
Chemical agents complement manual extraction. Permethrin 1 % lotion, applied to dry hair and left for 10 minutes before rinsing, kills most lice but does not affect nits. For resistant cases, a 0.5 % malathion solution or a 0.05 % spinosad spray may be employed, following manufacturer instructions and ensuring thorough coverage of the scalp and hair length.
Post‑treatment hygiene measures prevent reinfestation. Items that contact the head—pillows, hats, hairbrushes, and combs—must be washed in water above 60 °C or sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Non‑washable objects can be subjected to dry heat (≥ 130 °C) for 30 minutes.
Environmental control includes vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture, and avoiding head‑to‑head contact in communal settings.
A comprehensive schedule:
- Day 0: Apply recommended insecticide, rinse, and comb thoroughly.
- Day 2–3: Repeat nit combing, no additional chemicals.
- Day 7: Re‑apply insecticide if live lice persist; continue combing.
- Day 14: Final combing session; verify absence of nits.
- Day 21: Confirm eradication; maintain regular comb checks for an additional week.
Adherence to this protocol eliminates both adult insects and their eggs, ensuring complete resolution of the infestation.