How can you quickly eliminate lice and nits? - briefly
Apply a fast‑acting pediculicide (e.g., 1% permethrin) and immediately comb out all live insects and eggs with a fine‑tooth nit comb; repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched lice.
How can you quickly eliminate lice and nits? - in detail
Effective eradication of head lice and their eggs requires a multi‑step approach. Begin with a thorough inspection of the scalp and hair, using a fine-toothed lice comb under bright light. Separate sections of hair and slide the comb from the scalp outward, wiping the teeth after each pass. This initial combing removes live insects and dislodges many nits, providing a baseline for treatment efficacy.
Apply a licensed pediculicide according to the product label. First‑line options include 1 % permethrin lotion or a pyrethrin‑based spray; both act quickly on active lice. For resistant infestations, prescription agents such as 0.5 % malathion, oral ivermectin, or benzyl alcohol lotion may be required. Follow the recommended contact time, then rinse thoroughly. Do not reuse the same application; a second treatment is essential 7–10 days after the first to target newly hatched nits that survived the initial dose.
After chemical treatment, repeat the combing process daily for at least five days. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair to facilitate removal. Discard or disinfect combs and brushes by soaking them in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items that have contacted the infested person in water ≥ 60 °C, or place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks if washing is impractical.
Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats to eliminate any fallen lice or eggs. Do not share hats, hair accessories, or bedding during the treatment period. Monitor all household members; treat anyone showing signs of infestation promptly to prevent reinfestation.
For families preferring non‑chemical methods, suffocation techniques—such as applying a generous layer of petroleum jelly or olive oil to the scalp, covering with a shower cap for several hours, then combing—can reduce live insects. Heat treatment, involving washing hair in water ≥ 130 °F or using a hair dryer on high heat for a few minutes, also damages lice but does not affect nits, so it must be combined with combing.
Document progress by photographing the scalp before treatment and after each combing session. Continue monitoring for at least three weeks, as residual nits may hatch later. If infestation persists despite repeated correct application of approved products, consult a healthcare professional for alternative regimens or laboratory confirmation.