How can you remove lice at home? - briefly
Apply an over‑the‑counter treatment (e.g., 1% permethrin shampoo), then meticulously comb out nits with a fine‑tooth nit comb, cleaning the comb after each pass; repeat the procedure after 7–10 days to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
How can you remove lice at home? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations without professional assistance requires a systematic approach that combines physical removal, chemical treatment, and environmental cleaning.
Begin with a thorough combing session. Use a fine‑toothed nit‑comb on wet, conditioned hair. Section the hair, starting at the scalp and moving toward the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue to confirm the presence of lice or eggs, then rinse the comb in hot water. Repeat the process for the entire head, then repeat the whole routine every 24 hours for at least one week.
Apply a topical pediculicide if preferred. Choose a product containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion, following the label instructions precisely. Apply to dry hair, leave for the recommended duration, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid re‑application within 24 hours to prevent resistance.
Treat the environment to prevent re‑infestation. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (minimum 130 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats, discarding the vacuum bag afterward.
Implement a monitoring schedule. Examine the scalp daily for live insects and viable eggs. If live lice are observed after the third combing session, repeat the pediculicide treatment after seven days, as newly hatched nymphs may have survived the first application.
Maintain preventive measures. Advise against sharing hats, hair accessories, or pillows. Keep hair tied back during group activities. Regularly inspect children’s hair, especially after school or camp.
By combining meticulous combing, appropriate topical treatment, thorough cleaning of personal items, and ongoing surveillance, most infestations can be eradicated within a fortnight without professional intervention.