How can you remove lice nits? - briefly
Use a fine-toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair after applying an approved treatment, combing from scalp to tip every few days until no nits are visible. Wash bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water and dry on high heat to prevent re‑infestation.
How can you remove lice nits? - in detail
Removing lice eggs requires a systematic approach that combines physical removal, appropriate treatment products, and environmental sanitation.
Begin with a fine‑toothed nit comb, preferably metal, and work on damp, conditioned hair. Section the hair, start at the scalp, and pull the comb through each strand from root to tip. After each pass, wipe the comb on a paper towel and repeat until no visible nits remain. This step should be performed every 2–3 days for at least two weeks to catch newly hatched lice before they lay more eggs.
If a pediculicide is chosen, select a formulation containing either dimethicone, pyrethrin, or a prescription‑only agent such as malathion. Apply according to the label: saturate the scalp and hair, leave for the specified duration, then rinse thoroughly. After treatment, repeat the combing process to eliminate any surviving eggs. Some products require a second application 7–10 days later to break the life cycle.
Thermal methods can be effective when chemical options are unsuitable. Use a hair dryer on a high heat setting, keeping the nozzle a few centimeters from the scalp, and move it slowly along the hair to raise the temperature above 50 °C for several seconds per section. This temperature destabilizes the adhesive that secures the eggs to the hair shaft, causing them to detach.
Environmental control prevents reinfestation. Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in plastic bags for two weeks or placed in a freezer at –20 °C for at least 24 hours. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats; discard the vacuum bag immediately after use.
Maintain a schedule: comb daily for the first week, treat with a second dose of medication if required, continue weekly combing for an additional two weeks, and keep the household cleaning routine. Consistent execution of these steps eliminates the eggs and prevents a resurgence.