How do lice appear in a person and how can they be eliminated?

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How do lice appear in a person and how can they be eliminated? - briefly
Lice infest a person when nits are transferred from an infected individual via direct head-to-head contact or shared personal items such as combs, hats, or scarves. Removal requires a pediculicide applied as directed and meticulous combing with a fine‑toothed nit comb to eliminate both insects and eggs.

How do lice appear in a person and how can they be eliminated? - in detail
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) become established when a female deposits eggs (nits) on hair shafts close to the scalp. The eggs hatch in 7‑9 days, releasing nymphs that mature into adults after three molts, typically within 10 days. An adult female can lay 6‑10 eggs per day, allowing the population to double every 2‑3 days if untreated. Transmission occurs primarily through direct head‑to‑head contact; sharing combs, hats, helmets, or bedding can also transfer lice, especially in crowded or familial settings.
Factors that increase the likelihood of infestation include:

Close physical interaction in schools, camps, or sports teams.
Limited access to regular hair‑care routines or personal hygiene resources.
Presence of an existing infestation in household members.

Effective eradication combines several steps:

Mechanical removal

Use a fine‑toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair.
Comb from scalp outward, cleaning the comb after each pass.
Repeat every 2‑3 days for at least two weeks to capture newly hatched nymphs.

Topical insecticides

Apply products containing 1% permethrin, 0.5% pyrethrin, or 0.05% malathion, following label instructions precisely.
Leave the preparation on the scalp for the recommended duration, then rinse.
Re‑treat after 7‑10 days to eliminate any surviving eggs.

Alternative treatments

Dimethicone‑based lotions coat lice, preventing their movement and causing death without neurotoxic effects.
Benzyl alcohol lotion suffocates lice; a single application is followed by a second dose after 7 days.

Environmental decontamination

Wash clothing, towels, and bedding used within the previous 48 hours in hot water (≥60 °C) and dry on high heat.
Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats to remove stray hairs containing nits.

Preventive measures

Encourage children to avoid sharing personal headgear and hair accessories.
Perform routine checks of hair, especially after group activities.
Educate caregivers on early detection and prompt treatment.

Combining thorough combing with an appropriate chemical or silicone‑based product, followed by strict laundering and avoidance of shared items, eliminates the infestation and reduces the risk of recurrence. Continuous monitoring for at least three weeks after treatment confirms successful removal.