How can you cure lice? - briefly
Effective treatment requires applying a pediculicide (e.g., 1 % permethrin lotion) to damp hair, leaving it for the recommended time, then combing out nits with a fine‑toothed lice comb and repeating the process after 7–10 days. Alternative options include dimethicone‑based products or over‑the‑counter ivermectin, combined with washing bedding and personal items in hot water.
How can you cure lice? - in detail
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) live on the scalp, feed on blood, and lay eggs (nits) firmly attached to hair shafts. Effective eradication requires killing adult insects, preventing hatching, and removing existing nits.
Chemical pediculicides
- Permethrin 1 % lotion: apply to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, rinse, repeat after 7–10 days.
- Pyrethrin‑piperonyl‑butoxide spray: spray onto damp hair, cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes, then wash.
- Dimethicone 4 % lotion: coat hair, leave for 8 hours, then shampoo.
- Malathion 0.5 % solution: apply to dry hair, leave for 8 hours, then wash.
All products must be used according to manufacturer instructions, avoiding scalp irritation and observing age restrictions. Resistance to permethrin and pyrethrin has been documented; alternative agents should be selected when treatment failure occurs.
Mechanical removal
- Use a fine‑tooth (0.2 mm) nit comb on wet, conditioned hair.
- Section hair, comb from scalp outward in 1‑centimeter increments.
- Rinse comb after each pass to prevent re‑attachment.
- Repeat combing every 2–3 days for two weeks to capture newly hatched lice.
Non‑chemical options
- Dimethicone‑based oils: apply liberally, cover with a shower cap for 8 hours, then wash.
- Essential‑oil mixtures (e.g., tea‑tree, lavender, neem) diluted in a carrier oil: apply to scalp, leave for 30 minutes, then rinse.
- Heat treatment: use a hair dryer on low heat to desiccate lice, maintaining a safe distance to avoid burns.
These methods lack robust clinical evidence; they should complement, not replace, proven pediculicides.
Environmental decontamination
- Wash bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories during treatment.
Follow‑up
- Inspect scalp 7 days after initial treatment; repeat chemical application if live lice are detected.
- Perform nit checks weekly for 4 weeks to ensure complete eradication.
- Educate household members about transmission routes to prevent reinfestation.