How can you get rid of lice and nits at home? - briefly
Apply a pediculicide shampoo or a natural oil (e.g., tea‑tree or olive) to damp hair, then comb thoroughly with a fine‑tooth lice comb, repeating the process every 2–3 days for two weeks while laundering bedding and clothing in hot water. Follow each combing session with a brief rinse of the hair in diluted vinegar or rubbing alcohol to dissolve any remaining nits.
How can you get rid of lice and nits at home? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations and their eggs can be accomplished with a systematic home approach. Begin by confirming the presence of live insects and their attached ova. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on damp hair, starting at the scalp and drawing the comb down to the tips. Examine the comb after each pass; any visible lice or nits should be removed and disposed of in sealed plastic.
Treatment options
- Over‑the‑counter pediculicides: Apply a product containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin according to the label, ensuring full coverage of the scalp and hair shafts. Leave the preparation for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly.
- Dimethicone‑based lotions: These silicone oils coat the insects, causing suffocation without neurotoxic chemicals. Apply to dry hair, leave for the instructed period, and comb out dead lice and eggs.
- Home‑brew solutions: Combine equal parts of 20 % vinegar and water, or use a mixture of olive oil and a few drops of tea‑tree oil. Saturate the hair, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then comb and wash. These methods lack FDA approval but can aid in loosening nits.
Cleaning the environment
- Wash all recently worn clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
- Soak hairbrushes, combs, and hair accessories in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
Follow‑up protocol
- Repeat the combing and treatment process 7–10 days after the initial application to target any newly hatched nits.
- Conduct a final inspection one week later; if no live insects are observed, the infestation is considered resolved.
- Advise household members to avoid sharing personal items and to perform routine checks for at least one month.
By adhering to these steps—accurate detection, appropriate chemical or non‑chemical treatment, thorough environmental decontamination, and diligent re‑inspection—complete eradication can be achieved without professional intervention.