How can you get rid of fleas on the head? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved flea shampoo to the scalp, let it work for the recommended period, then rinse and comb the hair with a fine‑toothed flea comb; wash all bedding and personal items in hot water to prevent reinfestation.
How can you get rid of fleas on the head? - in detail
Fleas on the scalp require a combination of mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and environmental control.
First, isolate the infestation by washing the hair with a medicated shampoo containing pyrethrins or permethrin. Apply the product according to the label, leave it on for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat the wash after 24 hours to target newly hatched insects.
Second, use a fine-toothed comb designed for lice or fleas. Comb the damp hair from the scalp outward in short sections, cleaning the comb with hot water after each pass. This step physically extracts adult fleas, nymphs, and eggs.
Third, apply a topical insecticide approved for scalp use, such as a 1 % dimethicone lotion. Dimethicone suffocates the parasites without penetrating the skin. Apply a thin layer to the entire scalp, leave it for the specified time, then wash off.
Fourth, treat the surrounding environment to prevent re‑infestation:
- Launder bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and mattresses; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Apply a residual insecticide spray to carpets and floor coverings, following safety instructions.
Fifth, monitor the situation for at least two weeks. Perform daily combing and weekly shampoo treatments. If live fleas are observed after this period, repeat the chemical regimen or consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options.
Finally, maintain preventive measures: keep hair clean, avoid contact with infested animals, and regularly inspect household fabrics. Consistent application of the above protocol eliminates scalp fleas and reduces the risk of recurrence.