How can you eradicate lice and nits at home? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo, then comb wet, conditioned hair with a fine-toothed nit comb, repeating the combing every 7‑10 days to eliminate emerging lice. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or seal them in airtight containers for two weeks.
How can you eradicate lice and nits at home? - in detail
Eliminating head lice and their eggs without professional assistance requires a systematic approach that combines direct treatment, thorough cleaning of personal items, and vigilant monitoring.
Begin with a medicated shampoo or lotion containing 1 % permethrin, pyrethrin, or dimethicone. Apply according to the product instructions, leaving the solution on the scalp for the recommended duration before rinsing. After the initial application, repeat the treatment after seven to ten days to target any newly hatched nits that survived the first round.
While the chemical treatment works, use a fine-toothed lice comb on damp, conditioned hair. Start at the scalp and pull the comb through to the ends, wiping the teeth with a disposable tissue after each pass. Perform this combing every 2–3 hours for the first 24 hours, then twice daily for the next three days. This mechanical removal reduces the population of live insects and eggs that may have been missed by the topical agent.
All personal items that have contacted the head must be decontaminated. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes. Non‑washable items, such as hats, hairbrushes, and hair accessories, should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, a period that exceeds the lifespan of lice away from a host. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats thoroughly; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister after use.
Prevent re‑infestation by educating all household members about the signs of lice and encouraging regular head checks, especially after school or group activities. Restrict sharing of personal items—combs, hats, scarves, headphones—until the infestation is fully resolved. Maintain a schedule of weekly inspections for at least one month after the final treatment to catch any resurgence promptly.
If chemical products are unsuitable—due to allergy, age restrictions, or personal preference—consider a dimethicone‑based silicone oil treatment. Apply liberally, cover the hair with a shower cap for eight hours, then rinse and comb as described above. Follow with a second application after ten days.
Document each step, noting dates of treatment, combing sessions, and cleaning actions. This record helps verify that the full life cycle of the parasite has been addressed and supports timely intervention should any lice reappear.