How can you remove lice and nits at home, which products should be used? - briefly
Apply a lice‑killing shampoo or a dimethicone‑based solution, then comb the hair with a fine‑toothed nit comb while the product remains wet. Effective OTC options include 1 % permethrin rinse, dimethicone spray, and a 20 % tea‑tree‑oil preparation, each followed by thorough combing to remove remaining eggs.
How can you remove lice and nits at home, which products should be used? - in detail
Effective elimination of head‑lice and their eggs requires a systematic approach that combines thorough mechanical removal with appropriate topical agents. The process can be broken down into three phases: preparation, treatment, and post‑treatment care.
Begin by separating the hair from the scalp using a fine‑toothed comb or a dedicated lice comb. Comb the hair in small sections, starting at the roots and moving toward the tips. This mechanical action dislodges live insects and loosens nits attached to the hair shaft. Perform the combing on dry hair, then repeat on damp hair after applying a suitable product.
Select a proven topical solution to immobilize the parasites. Options include:
- Permethrin 1 % lotion – FDA‑approved, kills live lice within minutes; residual activity helps prevent re‑infestation.
- Pyrethrin‑based spray – effective against active insects; requires a second application 7–10 days later to target newly hatched nits.
- Dimethicone (silicone‑based) lotion – suffocates both lice and nits without neurotoxic chemicals; suitable for sensitive skin.
- Benzyl alcohol 5 % lotion – non‑neurotoxic, kills lice but does not affect nits; a follow‑up nit‑removal session is necessary.
- Spinosad 0.9 % suspension – rapid action against lice, approved for children over 12 months; may cause mild scalp irritation.
Apply the chosen product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring complete coverage of the scalp and hair. Leave the preparation on for the recommended duration (usually 10–15 minutes), then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
After the chemical treatment, repeat the combing procedure while the hair is still damp. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb to pull out any remaining nits. Perform this step at least once daily for a week, then every other day for an additional week to catch any newly hatched lice.
Supplementary measures that enhance efficacy include:
- White vinegar rinse – acidic environment loosens the glue that binds nits to hair; apply after the primary treatment, leave for 5 minutes, then comb.
- Olive oil or coconut oil – coating the hair with oil can suffocate lice and facilitate easier combing; apply before the first combing session and leave for 30 minutes.
- Heat treatment – using a hair dryer on a low‑heat setting while combing can aid in dislodging nits; avoid high temperatures to prevent scalp burns.
Finalize the regimen by washing all bedding, clothing, hats, and personal items in hot water (≥ 130 °F) or sealing them in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove stray insects.
A second application of the chosen topical agent is mandatory 7–10 days after the initial treatment, targeting any lice that may have emerged from surviving nits. Continue daily combing for an additional 10 days to confirm complete eradication.