How can you remove lice from hair? - briefly
Apply an approved lice treatment (such as 1 % permethrin lotion) to damp hair, leave it for the specified duration, then comb thoroughly with a fine‑toothed nit comb while washing the comb and bedding afterward. Repeat the procedure after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched insects.
How can you remove lice from hair? - in detail
Removing head‑lice infestations requires a systematic approach that combines chemical or physical treatments, thorough combing, and environmental decontamination.
First, select an appropriate treatment. Over‑the‑counter shampoos or lotions containing 1 % permethrin, 0.5 % pyrethrin, or dimethicone are the most widely used. Apply the product according to the label: saturate the scalp, leave it for the specified time, then rinse thoroughly. For individuals allergic to pesticides, dimethicone‑based products provide a non‑insecticidal alternative that suffocates the insects.
Second, perform a meticulous removal process after the chemical step. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb (0.2 mm spacing) on wet, conditioned hair. Divide the hair into sections, start at the scalp, and pull the comb down to the tips, wiping each pass with a disposable tissue. Repeat the combing for at least 10 minutes per session. Conduct a second combing 7–10 days later to capture any newly hatched nymphs.
Third, address the surrounding environment. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in water ≥ 60 °C or dry them on a high‑heat setting for at least 30 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, as lice cannot survive beyond 48 hours without a host. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray nymphs and eggs.
A concise protocol:
- Apply a licensed pediculicide or silicone‑based lotion; follow manufacturer timing.
- Rinse hair; keep it damp for combing.
- Use a 0.2 mm nit comb; section hair, comb from scalp outward, clean comb after each pass.
- Repeat combing after 7–10 days.
- Launder or heat‑treat all personal textiles; seal non‑washable items for 14 days.
- Vacuum and clean surroundings thoroughly.
Monitoring continues for two weeks. If live insects are observed after the second combing, repeat the entire treatment cycle. Persistent cases may require prescription‑strength medication such as malathion or ivermectin, administered under medical supervision.
Adhering to this structured regimen eliminates the infestation efficiently and minimizes the risk of re‑infestation.