How can you get rid of body lice at home? - briefly
Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on the hottest setting; items that cannot be laundered may be sealed in a plastic bag and frozen for 72 hours. Apply a pediculicide lotion containing «permethrin» or «pyrethrin» to the skin according to the label instructions and repeat after one week to interrupt the life cycle.
How can you get rid of body lice at home? - in detail
Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) live in clothing seams and feed on human blood. Infestation requires prompt removal to prevent skin irritation, secondary infection, and spread to others.
Immediate personal hygiene
- Shower with hot water; scrub entire body with a fine‑toothed comb to dislodge insects and eggs.
- Apply an approved pediculicide directly to the skin, following label directions precisely.
- Dry skin thoroughly after treatment; moisture encourages lice survival.
Laundering of garments and textiles
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels worn or used during the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C.
- Dry items on high heat for at least 30 minutes; heat kills both lice and nits.
- Items that cannot be heated may be sealed in a plastic bag for 72 hours, a duration sufficient to starve the parasites.
Environmental cleaning
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Clean hair‑brushes, combs, and personal items with hot, soapy water.
- Store clean clothing in sealed containers until the infestation is confirmed cleared.
Topical and systemic treatments
- Use a single‑application lotion containing permethrin 1 % or a dimethicone‑based product such as «Nix»; repeat after 7 days to target newly hatched nits.
- For resistant cases, consult a healthcare professional about oral ivermectin or alternative prescriptions.
- Avoid home‑made remedies lacking clinical evidence; they do not reliably eradicate the parasite.
Follow‑up and prevention
- Re‑examine the individual and close contacts 7 and 14 days after treatment; repeat the combing and washing steps if any live lice are observed.
- Encourage regular laundering of underclothing and work attire, especially in communal living or occupational settings.
- Maintain personal hygiene standards and limit sharing of clothing or bedding to reduce reinfestation risk.