How do doctors recommend getting rid of lice? - briefly
Doctors advise applying an FDA‑approved topical pediculicide—such as 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % malathion—according to the label, then combing wet hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb and repeating the treatment after 7–10 days; additionally, they recommend washing bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water or sealing them for two weeks to eliminate any remaining eggs.
How do doctors recommend getting rid of lice? - in detail
Physicians begin by confirming the presence of live nits or adult insects on the scalp. Visual inspection with a fine-tooth comb under bright light is the standard method; a magnifying device may be used for certainty.
The primary therapeutic approach relies on topical insecticides approved for human use. Two categories dominate:
- Permethrin‑based lotions (1 %) – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed. A second application 7–10 days later eliminates newly hatched lice.
- Pyrethrin‑containing sprays – mixed with a piperonyl‑butoxide synergist, applied similarly to permethrin. Both agents are safe for most children over two months, but skin irritation may occur.
When resistance to these compounds is documented, clinicians prescribe:
- Benzyl alcohol lotion (5 %) – suffocates insects; requires a 10‑day regimen with daily applications.
- Spinosad (0.9 %) – a single 10‑minute treatment, effective against resistant strains.
- Ivermectin lotion (0.5 %) – applied for 10 minutes, repeated after one week; reserved for cases unresponsive to other agents.
Prescription oral ivermectin may be considered for extensive infestations or when topical options are contraindicated. Dosage is weight‑based, typically a single dose repeated after 7 days.
Adjunctive mechanical removal enhances success. A fine‑tooth nit comb, used on wet, conditioned hair, should be passed from scalp to tip at least twice per day for a week. Comb passes must be thorough; each pass removes live lice and dislodges nits.
Environmental control limits re‑infestation:
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥ 130 °F) and dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Items that cannot be laundered (e.g., stuffed toys) should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or exposed to a freezer at –4 °F for 24 hours.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Follow‑up examination 7–10 days after the initial treatment confirms eradication. Persistent live insects indicate treatment failure, prompting a switch to an alternative agent or combination therapy.
Patients are instructed to avoid sharing personal items, to keep hair tied back, and to inform close contacts so they can initiate preventive measures.