How can you get rid of lice at home by yourself? - briefly
Apply a medicated lice shampoo or conditioner, then comb the hair with a fine‑tooth nit comb every 2–3 days for two weeks while washing bedding and clothing in hot water. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched nits.
How can you get rid of lice at home by yourself? - in detail
Eliminating head‑lice infestations without professional help requires a systematic approach that combines direct removal, appropriate topical agents, and environmental sanitation.
Begin by confirming the presence of live nits or adult insects on the scalp. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on damp, conditioned hair, starting at the roots and moving toward the tips. Perform this combing every 2–3 days for at least two weeks, discarding each combed section on a disposable surface to prevent re‑contamination.
Select a treatment method:
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Manual extraction – Wet the hair, apply a generous amount of conditioner, and comb through with a lice‑comb. Repeat the process for the entire scalp, ensuring all visible nits are removed. This method eliminates the need for chemicals and reduces the risk of resistance.
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Over‑the‑counter pediculicides – Apply a product containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrin according to the label. Leave the solution on the scalp for the prescribed duration, then rinse thoroughly. A second application after 7–10 days targets any newly hatched lice.
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Home‑made remedies – Mix equal parts of olive oil and vinegar, saturate the hair, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then comb out nits. Oil suffocates the insects, while vinegar loosens the glue that attaches nits to hair shafts.
After treatment, wash all personal items in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) or place them in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard or launder bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours.
Monitor the scalp daily for residual lice. If live insects persist after two full treatment cycles, consult a healthcare professional for prescription‑strength options.