How do lice appear and how can they be removed?

How do lice appear and how can they be removed? - briefly

Lice are transmitted primarily by direct head‑to‑head contact or by sharing combs, hats, or bedding that contain viable nits. Effective removal involves applying a pediculicide such as permethrin or pyrethrin, then combing out remaining insects and washing personal items at high temperature.

How do lice appear and how can they be removed? - in detail

Lice infestations begin when female insects lay eggs (nits) on hair shafts close to the scalp. Eggs hatch in 7‑10 days, releasing nymphs that mature into adults after another 7‑10 days. Transmission occurs primarily through direct head‑to‑head contact, although sharing hats, brushes, or bedding can also transfer eggs or live insects. Warm, humid environments and dense hair increase the likelihood of colonization, while infestations spread rapidly in settings where close physical interaction is common, such as schools or camps.

Effective eradication requires a two‑step approach: chemical or physical treatment followed by thorough removal of residual eggs. Commonly used pediculicides contain pyrethrin, permethrin, or dimethicone; they must be applied according to manufacturer instructions, usually left on the scalp for 10‑15 minutes before rinsing. Resistance to older insecticides has prompted the adoption of silicone‑based products, which coat and suffocate lice without relying on neurotoxic action.

After treatment, nit removal is essential to prevent re‑infestation. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair, working from the scalp outward in 1‑inch sections. Repeat combing every 2‑3 days for at least two weeks, discarding or washing combs between sessions. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat; items that cannot be laundered may be sealed in plastic bags for 48 hours to kill any surviving insects.

Environmental control complements personal treatment. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, and clean hairbrushes, hairpins, and combs with hot, soapy water. Regular inspection of all household members allows early detection and reduces the risk of spread. Combining chemical or silicone treatment with diligent nit removal and environmental sanitation yields the highest success rate in eliminating head‑lice infestations.